Study of Children at Risk for Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Study Summary

A conduct disorder is characterized by repetitive and persistent patterns of behavior where the basic rights of others and rules are violated. This study investigates characteristics of children and their surroundings (environments) that place them at risk for the development of disruptive behavior disorders and associated disorders of anxiety and mood. Children ages 4 - 5 with moderate (subclinical) and severe (clinical) rates of misconduct during the preschool period are compared to low risk children. Children and their families were recruited from 1989-1991 and are being studied at five specific times: 1. Preschool (4 - 5 years) 2. Early childhood (6 - 7 years) 3. Middle childhood (9 - 10 years) 4. Early adolescence (13 - 14 years) 5. Mid-adolescence (15 - 16 years) Researchers will look closely at biological, intellectual, emotional, and behavioral factors that are thought to protect against and/or increase the risk of developing a conduct problem. These factors have been studied in older children and are shown to be associated with disruptive behavior disorders. The goals of this research study are; 1. Create a database showing the characteristics of the development of disruptive behavior problems. 2. Identify the key risk and protective factors that contribute to the stability or change in behavior problems over time. 3. Identify the ways that children interact socially and relate them to the possibility of developing a problem of behavior. 4. Identify how experiences and the emotions associated with experiences may play a role in the development of related psychiatric conditions, like depression and anxiety. 5. Establish measures of the different components of negative emotions associated with disruptive/antisocial, anxiety, and mood disorders.