Neurodevelopmental disorders and the role of pharmacotherapy : review and update

Abstract EN

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a heterogeneous group of chronic disorders that result from brain malfunction with onset in childhood before puberty.

they are characterized by delay or disturbance in the acquisition of skills in a variety of developmental domains, including motor, social, language, and cognition.

in addition, many people with such delays present with behavioral disturbances that often lead family, caregivers, or school educators to seek additional professional guidance.

the lack of a curative therapy is an added clinical challenge.

non-pharmacological means offers the best available treatment approach at present.

psychopharmacological management on the other hand frequently results in drug misuse, polypharmacy, and development of serious adverse effects.

the purpose of the current review is to present a brief account of ndds and their types, describe current trends for this group of disorders, and offer an update on the psychopharmacological approach.