Onset and Progression of Disruptive Behavior Problems Among Community Boys and Girls: A Prospective Longitudinal Analysis

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder are the most common forms of psychopathology seen among community youth. This study investigated prospective symptomatology of these disruptive behavior disorders from ages 5 though 14 in an at-risk community-based sample of 170 boys and girls born to adolescent mothers. The prevalence of problems was elevated, with boys and girls generally experiencing equally high prevalence rates. Intraindividual instability was common, and rates of co-occurrence were low. The fluctuating symptomatology in this community-based sample was in contrast to the clinical literature, which indicates higher rates of stability and comorbidity. Findings are discussed in terms of the unique set of results that stemmed from this prospectively assessed at-risk community-based sample of boys and girls.