Objective: The aim of this paper is to offer a critical overview of research on preschool psychopathology, and to propose a working classification based on the empirical evidence.
Method: All of the existing factor and cluster analytic studies, and those studies that attempted to establish the reliability and validity of the subcategories in preschool behaviour disorder were reviewed. Applicability of the current classifications (DSM-IV and ICD-10) to preschool age was examined.
Results: Empirical evidence suggests a well-established, externalising and internalising dichotomy, and a developmental problems factor where the instrument included these problems. There was also a strong tendency for the externalising and internalising symptoms to overlap. Within the externalising factor, there is evidence suggesting that attention deficit hyperactivity should be separated out and recognised. Categories in the DSM-IV and ICD-10 classification did not correspond with the statistically derived groups.
Conclusion: A classification of preschool psychopathology that incorporates the age-specific disorders and risk factors is proposed. This is likely to increase the awareness of researchers, taxonomists and clinicians of psychopathology in preschool children, thereby leading to an early recognition.
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