Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção/Hiperatividade: evolução nosológica, bases neurofuncionais e alterações motoras: uma revisão de literatura

ABSTRACT Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Although its formal recognition occurred only in the twentieth century, descriptions of behaviors consistent with the disorder can be found in earlier medical texts and historical reports. The evolution of ADHD understanding reflects changes in scientific paradigms, advances in neuroscientific methodologies, and sociocultural transformations that have influenced how the disorder has been identified, interpreted, and treated over time. Recent literature has expanded the discussion beyond behavioral symptoms to include the functional implications of ADHD across the lifespan. From a neurobiological perspective, consistent evidence indicates that ADHD involves structural and functional alterations in frontostriatal circuits, particularly in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). This region plays a central role in executive functions such as sustained attention, inhibitory control, working memory, and planning, and individuals with ADHD often show patterns of hypoactivation and atypical connectivity in this area. In addition, ADHD is frequently associated with motor impairments, including deficits in coordination, postural tone regulation, balance, and the precision of fine and gross motor skills. These manifestations are thought to arise from dysfunctions in integrated neural networks involving the DLPFC, motor cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia, suggesting shared neurofunctional bases for cognitive and motor symptoms. This literature review, based on the analysis of 95 scientific articles published between 2000 and 2024, aims to explore the historical trajectory of ADHD, from its earliest clinical descriptions to its contemporary conceptualization. It also examines the evolution of diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, and etiology, as well as the relationship between dorsolateral prefrontal cortex functioning and motor performance, highlighting the functional implications of this brain region in the context of ADHD and contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the disorder. Keywords: ADHD; Motor Impairments; Structural and Functional Brain Connectivity Alterations