2002 International International Biennial Scientific Meeting

EARLY DETECTION OF CONDUCT DISORDER

Clive Smith

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Sydney

Objective: The objective of this study is to stimulate interest in developing predictive criteria for conduct disorder, as early as possible in a child's life.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study which also tests the validity of the Early Developmental Rating Scale (EDR), that was developed as part of the study.

Results: These were categorized by socio-economic status and analysed statistically. The results suggest that Conduct Disorder (childhood onset type), can be detected in the first one to three years of life.

Conclusion: Early detection of Conduct Disorder, childhood onset type, is possible. The EDR needs validating in a prospective study, so it can be used in antenatal clinics, baby clinics and GPs' offices.