Pervasive developmental disorders. Etiological, diagnostic and treatment conundrum.

Pervasive developmental disorders are severe childhood psychiatric disorders that afflict millions of children worldwide. Despite availability of tremendous data on these disorders, there is a paucity of information among clinicians including mental health professionals. Pervasive developmental disorders, caused by multiple neurobiological and environmental etiologies, are characterized mainly by impaired social interactions, impaired communication and language, and abnormal repetitive interests and behaviors. A clear understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of pervasive developmental disorders requires routine developmental surveillance, extensive clinical diagnostic workup and laboratory investigations. The children with pervasive developmental disorders need a multimodal treatment approach. In Arabian Gulf countries, research is warranted to explore different aspects of these disorders.