Common behavioural problems in the under fives

Abstract 

The prevalence of moderate and severe behavioural problems in the under fives is 8%. The most common presentations are described. Some, especially defiant and antisocial behaviour, tend to persist right up to adulthood if untreated, leading to criminality, unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse, and violent interpersonal relationships. Predictors of persistence are more severe problems, several problems in the same child, low IQ, early onset and adverse social circumstances. Details of behavioural techniques effective for sleep problems are given, as are details of parent management training, the most effective intervention for defiant and antisocial behaviour in children. Despite scores of randomized controlled trials attesting to the effectiveness of parent training, most child mental health services and community child health services do not offer it.

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