Advances and Directions in Preschool Mental Health Research

Over the last decade, researchers have expanded our understanding of early-emerging mental health problems in preschoolers. In this article, we review the epidemiology, course, and clinical significance of disruptive behavior disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders in preschoolers. We present findings highlighting advances in preschool psychopathology and treatment research, and provide directions for the field of preschool mental health. To understand preschool psychopathology, we need to take an empirically based, developmentally sensitive approach that includes understanding more fully both normative and atypical development. Such an approach will inform how we define, assess, and treat early mental health problems. KEYWORDS—preschool; psychopathology; early childhood; development; mental health Most psychological problems in adults have their roots in early childhood. Researchers have sought to understand the emotional and behavioral problems that emerge during the preschool period (ages 3–5). Reliable, empirically validated measures have facilitated the systematic examination of preschool psychopathology. Currently, as many as one in five preschool-aged children meets criteria for psychiatric disorders and many experience persistent psychopathology, underscoring the public health significance of mental health problems in the preschool years (1, 2). Earlier identification provides a larger window for intervention, which may be more effective than later interventions, possibly because of greater behavioral and neurodevelopmental plasticity in early childhood. In this article, we review the epidemiology, course, and clinical significance of disruptive behavior disorders (including oppositional defiant disorder, ODD, and conduct disorder, CD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders. We do not review autism spectrum disorders (for a comprehensive review, see Ref. (3)). Then, we highlight recent advances in preschool psychopathology and treatment research, and conclude with directions for research. PRESCHOOL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY