DYSTHYMIC DISORDER IN CLINICALLY REFERRED PRESCHOOL-CHILDREN

Objective: This clinical and descriptive study examined the existence, phenomenology, and frequency of dysthymic disorder in a sample of cli nically referred preschool children. In addition, the frequency of DSM -IV symptoms and the alternative research criterion for dysthymic diso rder were investigated. Method: Three hundred consecutive preschool ad missions (aged 2 to 6 years) to a child development unit were given a comprehensive evaluation by a treatment team. Data were collected from multiple informants based on the suitability of each source. Results: The findings indicated that eight children met criteria for dysthymic disorder according to the DSM-IV criteria and the alternative researc h criterion for dysthymic disorder. Conclusions: The results support t he existence of dysthymic disorder in preschool-age children. Recommen dations are made for future versions of DSM as well as the appropriate ness and significance of various sources of information, such as the c hild, parents, teachers, and clinician observations, for the evaluatio n of symptoms of dysthymic disorder in preschoolers.