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Hyperkinetic Syndrome and Disruptive Early Experiences

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

P. M. Haddad
Affiliation:
Prestwich Hospital, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 7BL
M. E. Garralda*
Affiliation:
St Mary's Hospital Medical School, Horace Joules Hall, Central Middlesex Hospital, Acton Lane, London NW10 7NS
*
Correspondence

Abstract

Five children aged 8–10 years presenting to child psychiatric clinics with hyperkinetic syndrome and severe disruptive early experiences are described. At referral all had been living in stable families for a minimum of four years. Biological risk factors were absent. It is proposed that the disruption of early attachments resulted in ill-regulated search and exploratory behaviour and that this had a continuing effect on the children's ability to focus and control attention skills and motor behaviour.

Type
Brief Reports
Copyright
Copyright © 1992 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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