Diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of internalizing problems in children: the role of longitudinal data

Abstract

This review examines the role of longitudinal data in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of internalizing disorders in children and adolescents. On the basis of the limited longitudinal data available, it is suggested that internalizing disorders in children and adolescents are highly prevalent, frequently comorbid with other childhood disorders, and, arguably so, persistent over time. However, it is also noted that a considerable amount of instability characterizes these disorders and that the developmental course is not fully understood at this time. In addition, these disorders are responsive to treatment, at least on a short-term basis. Finally, a plea is made for longitudinal studies that use a developmental perspective in examining internalizing disorders in children and adolescents.