In childhood and adolescence the widespread of mental disorders takes on ever greater and more serious proportions. In particular, development disturbances are observed in the basic elements (social, emotional and cognitive development) and specific symptoms (including anxiety and other emotional problems, behavioural difficulties, intellectual problems and adaptation problems). The present state of knowledge of the causes of these disorders and dysfunctions show complex interactions of biological and environmental factors in specific periods that range from conception to the various stages of development. Children are in fact exposed to congenital and acquired health risks, in addition to environmental adversity. The research methods in biological sciences, psychology and behavioural development provide criteria for studying the presuppositions and routes for normal childhood development, as well as the causes, the evolution and the therapy for organic and mental disorders.

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