The Natural History of Disruptive Behaviour Disorders

Overview

Childhood and adolescence are recognised as critical periods for laying the foundation for future health and wellbeing, with mental health playing a crucial role. The mental health of young Australians is currently of key concern, with the most recent national survey of their mental health and wellbeing (Young Minds Matter) finding almost 15% of 4-17 year olds had experienced a mental disorder in the past year. While a great deal of focus has traditionally been placed on common mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, disruptive behaviour disorders were found to be highly prevalent in the survey, with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder (CD) having a prevalence of 7.4% and 2.1%, respectively, and a further 5.1% of children and adolescents having subthreshold CD (measured as ‘oppositional problem behaviours’). The hallmark of disruptive behaviour disorders is externalising symptomology, which can take the form of hyperactivity and impulsivity in the case of ADHD or antisocial and oppositional behaviour in the case of CD.

The core aim of this project is to investigate the natural history of disruptive behaviour disorders in young Australians, specifically examining why some individuals have more positive outcomes than others, by using data from prospective Australian cohort studies.

Funded by
NHMRC Early Career Fellowship (Holly Erskine – APP1137969)

Lead Investigator
Dr Holly Erskine

Project Team
Prof James Scott
Prof Harvey Whiteford
Prof George Patton (Murdoch Childrens Research Institute)

CURRENT

COMPLETED