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Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
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[The difficult child syndrome]

Gal Shoval1, Iris Manor, Sam Tyano

  • 1Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva. gshoval@clalit.org.il

Harefuah
|February 22, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Many children labeled "difficult" have underlying psychiatric conditions like ADHD and mood disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions are crucial for better developmental outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology

Context:

  • The term "difficult child" is a common, non-scientific descriptor for children exhibiting challenging behaviors.
  • Several significant psychiatric syndromes can present under this umbrella term.
  • These conditions have a substantial impact on a child's developmental trajectory.

Purpose:

  • To review the clinical presentations of major psychiatric disorders in children.
  • To discuss differential diagnoses, comorbidity, and prognosis for these conditions.
  • To emphasize the importance of early identification and intervention.

Summary:

  • Children referred as "difficult" may have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), disruptive behavior disorders, mood disorders, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • This review covers their clinical features, diagnostic challenges, co-occurring conditions, and long-term outlook.
  • Understanding and timely treatment are key to mitigating negative consequences.

Impact:

  • Early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric psychiatric disorders can prevent long-term developmental complications.
  • Improved management strategies enhance the prognosis for affected children.
  • Accurate identification of underlying conditions is vital for effective therapeutic approaches.

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