childhood disorders

prevalence of mental disorders

¼ of the world is children; 20-40% have clinical diagnosable disorder, many more with subclinical problems

problems with research

girls understudied

why focus on childhood disorders

most adult disorders have roots earlier in life

gender difference of child psychopathology 

boys tend to externalise/ undercontrol (defiancy/ pyromania/ kleptomania); girls tend to internalise /overcontrol/ go unnoticed ( anxiety, depression), 

pathway to psychological services

obersve problem → GP → refered to mental professional → assessment

assessment of children

important to use a multi method assessment establishing persistence across time and pervasiveness across settings

conduct disorder

A repetitive and persistent pattern of behaviour involving aggression/ destruction of property/ deceitfulness or theft/ serious rule violation

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness

why focus on conduct disorders

Identified conduct disorder as a “priority prevention target” for reducing adult mental illness

comorbidities with conduct disorders

ADHD comorbid ; internalising problems ; learning disorders ; substance abuse disorders