A CONTROLLED MULTIVARIATE CHART REVIEW OF MULTIPLE COMPLEX DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER

Objective: The primary aim of the study was to ascertain the usefulnes s and the validity of the set of criteria proposed to define a subgrou p within the DSM-III/-R category of pervasive developmental disorder-n ot otherwise specified under the name of multiple complex developmenta l disorder (MCDD). Method: A multivariate analysis (cluster and princi pal-components analysis) was performed on the characteristics, reliabl y extracted from the charts of 105 children with MCDD, 32 with autisti c disorder, 51 with externalizing disorders, and 56 with internalizing disorders, all with an IQ greater than 70, fully assessed in our depa rtment between 1984 and 1991. Results: The main finding was a strong c orrespondence between the classification of the cases by DSM-III-R cat egories and the subdivision by means of a multivariate cluster analysi s. The cluster analysis did not discriminate between children with emo tional and disruptive disorders. Furthermore, children with MCDD and a utistic disorder were significantly different both on symptom factors (''psychotic thinking/anxiety,'' ''aggression,'' ''deficient interacti on/communication,'' ''stereotyped and rigid behavior,'' and ''suspicio usness/odd interaction'') and on factors that reflected developmental and environmental background variables. Conclusion: The results of thi s study add to the nosology of autistic spectrum disorders and lend ad ditional support to the need for a separate subcategory of MCDD within DSM-V. Further corroboration of these results in independent (multice nter) samples will be required.