The Difficult child syndrome

Many children are referred to the psychiatrist with the title of the difficult child. Behind that popular and non-scientific description hide several major psychiatric syndromes, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, disruptive behavior disorders, mood disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. This article reviews the different clinical faces of these disorders, their differential diagnoses, comorbidity and prognosis. These disorders are very prevalent and have long-term consequences on the process of development of the child. Acquaintance with the disorders, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve the prognosis.