Predictive validity of DSM-IV oppositional defiant and conduct disorders in clinically referred preschoolers

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2010.02290.x
• Publication Date: 2010-08-29T20:10:47Z
• Authors: Kate Keenan; Debra Boeldt; Diane Chen; Claire Coyne; Radiah Donald; Jeanne Duax; Katherine Hart; Jennifer Perrott; Jennifer Strickland; Barbara Danis; Carri Hill; Shante Davis; Smita Kampani; Marisha Humphries
• Keywords: Conduct disorder; Child psychopathology

Background: Diagnostic validity of oppositional defiant and conduct disorders (ODD CD) for preschoolers has been questioned based on concerns regarding the ability to differentiate normative, transient disruptive behavior from clinical symptoms. Data concurrent have accumulated, but predictive is limited. Predictive critical refuting hypothesis that diagnosing ODD CD in young children leads pathologizing normal behavior. emerged as gateway many forms adult psychopathology. Establishing how early we can identify symptoms herald poor prognosis one most important goals research etiology prevention. Methods: Subjects were 3–5-year-old consecutive referrals a child psychiatry clinic (n = 123) demographically matched pediatric 100). A diagnostic interview was used assess DSM-IV prospective follow-up design preschool school age. Stability diagnoses level impairment tested function diagnosis. Results: Over 80% diagnosed with approximately 60% met criteria same disorder during follow-up. Impairment over time varied significantly stability diagnosis across three years. Conclusions: These results provide first evidence clinically referred children. The findings challenge assumption occur period tend be transient.