Background
Behavioral disinhibition refers to a temperamental tendency to exhibit boldness, approach,
and spontaneity in unfamiliar situations. We previously found it to be associated
with childhood disruptive behavior and mood disorders, as well as with parental bipolar
disorder. In the present study, our objective was to examine the diagnostic outcome
in middle childhood of behavioral disinhibition assessed at preschool age among offspring
at risk for anxiety and mood disorders.
Methods
The sample consisted of 284 children, including offspring of parents with panic disorder
or major depression and comparison offspring of parents without these disorders, who
had been assessed with laboratory observations of temperament at ages 21 months to
6 years. We reassessed 215 of the children (77%) at 5-year follow-up (mean age 9.6
years) with structured diagnostic interviews.
Results
Compared with noninhibited, nondisinhibited control subjects, behaviorally disinhibited
children had higher lifetime rates of comorbid mood plus disruptive behavior disorders
and higher current rates of any disruptive behavior disorder and of oppositional defiant
disorder.
Conclusions
Behavioral disinhibition appears to be a temperamental antecedent of disruptive behavior
disorders and their comorbidity with mood disorders in middle childhood, which may
be targeted for preventive intervention.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 16, 2007
Accepted:
October 8,
2006
Received in revised form:
September 22,
2006
Received:
March 20,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
