Examining subtypes of behavior problems among 3-year-old children, Part I: investigating validity of subtypes and biological risk-factors

J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2007 Feb;35(1):97-110. doi: 10.1007/s10802-006-9087-y. Epub 2006 Dec 13.

Abstract

This study examined 3-year-old children who were classified as hyperactive (HYP), oppositional-defiant (OD), hyperactive and oppositional defiant (HYP/OD), and non-problem based on mothers' reports of behavior. Using fathers,' teachers,' and observers' ratings of children's behavior, concurrent validity was excellent for the HYP/OD group, moderate for the HYP group, and poor for the OD group. As predicted, both the HYP/OD and HYP groups reported more prenatal/perinatal birth complications and a greater family history of hyperactivity than did non-problem children. Furthermore, the HYP/OD group showed a greater family history of conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms than did non-problem children; however, the HYP group also showed a greater family history of ODD than did non-problem children. Results suggest that as early as age 3, these behavior subtypes appear to be linked to biologically-based risk-factors in ways that are consistent with theories of the development of ADHD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology
  • Caregivers
  • Child Behavior Disorders / classification*
  • Child Behavior Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Child, Preschool*
  • Comorbidity
  • Family
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Mother-Child Relations
  • Parents
  • Pregnancy
  • Psychomotor Agitation / epidemiology
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Risk Factors
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Videotape Recording