Brain damage and abnormal behaviour in children.

Behavioural problems in children with suspected brain damage may present considerable diagnostic and management problems. Methods of assessment are still imprecise and minor degrees of brain damage are seldom detectable. Data from clinical studies highlight the interrelationship between environmental and organic factors in the pathogenesis of disturbed behaviour. Children from large families of low socioeconomic status, who are subject to parental neglect, are particularly susceptible to the development of psychiatric disorder in the presence of brain damage.