Lauren S. Wakschlag

More than the Terrible Twos: The Nature and Severity of Behavior Problems in Clinic-Referred Preschool Children

AbstractThe primary goals of this study are to describe the nature and severity of disruptive behavior problems in clinic-referred preschoolers from low-income environments and to explore the validity of DSM-IV disruptive disorders for young children. We examine the relation between DSM-IV symptoms, standardized behavior checklists, and observational ratings as a means of exploring measurement validity in this age group. Seventy-nine clinic-referred preschoolers (ages 2n

Relation of maternal responsiveness during infancy to the development of behavior problems in high-risk youths.

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Maternal smoking during pregnancy and conduct problems in high-risk youth: A developmental framework

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Pregnancy smoking in context : The influence of multiple levels of stress

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Validation of a Clinically Sensitive, Observational Coding System for Parenting Behaviors: The Parenting Clinical Observation Schedule

n years) from low-income environments were assessed. To examine whether clinic-referred preschool children have symptoms that are consistent with DSM-IV disruptive behavior disorders, parents were administered a semistructured diagnostic interview, modified for developmentally appropriate usage. In addition, parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and childrens behavior problems were assessed with observational ratings during parent–child interaction. Nearly half of the sample met criteria for conduct disorder, and three quarters met criteria for oppositional defiant disorder. Preliminary evidence for the validity of DSM-IV disruptive disorders in preschool children was demonstrated through association with CBCL scores, behavior ratings, and significant levels of impairment. Future efforts aimed at validating these diagnoses in preschoolers and implications for prevention are discussed.

Autism and tuberous sclerosis

OBJECTIVESnRecent research suggests that in utero exposure to maternal smoking is a risk factor for conduct disorder and delinquency. We review evidence of causality, a controversial but important public health question.nnnMETHODSnWe analyzed studies of maternal prenatal smoking and offspring antisocial behavior within a causal framework.nnnRESULTSnThe association is (1) independent of confounders, (2) present across diverse contexts, and (3) consistent with basic science. Methodological limitations of existing studies preclude causal conclusions.nnnCONCLUSIONSnExisting evidence provides consistent support for, but not proof of, an etiologic role for prenatal smoking in the onset of antisocial behavior. The possibility of identifying a preventable prenatal risk factor for a serious mental disorder makes further research on this topic important for public health.