DIMENSIONAL CLASSIFICATION-SYSTEM FOR PSYCHIATRIC-DISORDERS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS BASED ON CLINICAL RATINGS

Up to now dimensional classification systems for psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents have been developed exclusively on the basis of parent, teacher and self-report questionnaires. In the present study a dimensional classification system for psychiatric disorders was developed that is based on clinical ratings and involves factor, reliability and correlational analyses. The ratings are made with a special documentation system for psychopathology in children and adolescents. Four primary symptom scales (aggressive symptoms, antisocial symptoms, hyperkinetic symptoms and social-emotional impulsivity) are combined into the secondary scale external symptoms. Two symptom scales (social and achievement anxiety, depressive symptoms) make up the scale internal symptoms. Two other symptom scales cover language and eating disturbances. Reliability coefficients are given and correlational structures discussed.