A Brief History of the Diagnostic Classification of Childhood Externalizing Disorders

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2017

Abstract

Symptoms of common mental disorders in children and adolescents have been conceptually organized into two broad dimensions. One dimension has been labeled as undercontrolled or externalizing, and it includes various impulsive, hyperactive, disruptive, and aggressive behaviors. The second dimension has been labeled as overcontrolled or internalizing and it includes such behaviors as social withdrawal, anxiety, and depression. This chapter focuses on former dimension. Externalizing problems are the most common reasons leading children and adolescents to be referred for mental health treatment. The Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has included externalizing disorders in their list of mental disorders in each of its most recent revisions. Specifically, the DSM has typically provided criteria for three externalizing disorders: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder (CD). One goal of the DSM-5 was to improve the manual’s attention to important developmental considerations in diagnostic criteria.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

The Wiley Handbook of Developmental Psychopathology

First Page

475

Last Page

495

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