[Predictive value of psychiatric symptoms in the preschool age for adjustment in school age]

This paper derives from a prospective cohort study conducted in Freiburg (Federal Republic of Germany) from 1979 to 1987 with 209 (follow-up outcome: 172) 3- to 5-year-olds. The "Behaviour-Screening Questionnaire," the "Children's Global Assessment Scale" and a thorough semi-standardized interview were used to identify behavior problems in the children. The results were analyzed in relation to life events, sex and socioeconomic status. They were compared with the findings in other studies. Most of the variables examined proved to be of low predictive value. The mood changes common in preschool and kindergarten children with behavior problems were no longer in evidence 7 years later.