The prevalence of ADHD, ODD, depression, and anxiety in a community sample of 4-year-olds.
Few studies have examined the epidemiology of preschoolers' psychopathology. This study included 796 4-year-old children recruited from schools and pediatric practices in a diverse, urban area. Psychiatric disorder was assessed by a structured interview adapted for preschool children and by questionnaire. The most common disorders were oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depressive disorders were reported in less than 1% of the sample. Race/ethnicity differences were not significant. Gender differences showed ADHD-inattentive type more common among boys, with no gender differences for GAD, major depressive disorder, dysthymia, separation anxiety disorder, or ODD at any level of impairment. The overall comorbidity rate was 6.4%. Approximately 3% of individuals receiving a diagnosis had received mental health services.
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children's Memorial Hospital, 2300 Children's Plaza, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. jlavigne@childrensmemorial.org
John V
JV
Lavigne
Susan A
SA
Lebailly
Joyce
J
Hopkins
Karen R
KR
Gouze
Helen J
HJ
Binns
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D019263:Dysthymic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires