Brain Damage Syndromes in Childhood: Concepts and Findings*

SUMMARY A great deal has still to be learned on the various ways in which brain damage predisposes children to psychiatric disorder. Research has shown that many of the stereotypes of “the brain damaged child” were mistaken and misleading. But, equally, studies have clearly shown the major importance of brain damage as a factor contributing in a substantial way to the genesis of child psychiatric disorder. Treatment methods have still to be evaluated but already there are pointers as to how psychiatric disorders in neurologically impaired or brain damaged children should be treated. In dismissing over simplified catch phrase concepts concerning brain damage syndromes it is important not to overlook the reality of the problems to which they refer.