Prospective associations between early childhood mental health concerns and formal diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders in adolescence.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Understanding associations between psychosocial development in early childhood and formal diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in adolescence is critical for early identification and for tailoring interventions and support. This study investigated whether the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) scores in early childhood (4-5 years) predict mental health (MH) problems as evidenced by SDQ scores and formal diagnosis of NDDs in adolescence (16-17 years).

Methods

This study analysed data from a sample of 4968 children and adolescents using data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. We used hierarchical regression models to determine the association between SDQ subscales and total scores at ages 4-5 years (primary exposure) and to

SUBMITTER: Ahinkorah BO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11445126 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature