Identification and measurement of maladaptive behaviors in preschool children: movement toward a preventive model of care.
OBJECTIVE
The early identification and intervention of maladaptive behaviors in preschool children as a precedent to the prevention of psychiatric disorders across the life span.


OBJECTIVE
To inform clinicians of maladaptive behaviors in the preschool population and the current diagnostic classifications used.


METHODS
A developmental psychopathology perspective. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, Diagnostic Classification: 0-3, and the Child Behavior Checklist/2-3 classification systems.


CONCLUSIONS
Initial evidence indicates that maladaptive behaviors in preschool children can be predictive of later psychopathology. Further research is needed to refine and test the classification systems presented in order to identify and intervene with at-risk preschool children.
Seed
M S
MS
University of San Francisco School of Nursing, CA, USA. seed@usfca.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000367:Age Factors; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D002657:Child Development; D002665:Child Psychiatry / Q000379:methods*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012307:Risk Factors