Child demographics and DSM diagnosis: A multiaxis study

Abstract

Using all five axes of the DSM-III, this study explored variations by gender, race age, and socioeconomic status in diagnoses given to children at an outpatient child guidance clinic. Overall, boys, minorities, and low income children were more likely to receive the more serious diagnoses on the DSM-III and to be given the diagnoses that are least likely to go into remission with the passage of time. Alternative explanations for these findings of differences are discussed, and implications for practice and research are identified.

Understanding the Demographic Predictors and Associated Comorbidities in Children Hospitalized with Conduct Disorder

“…However, in our study we were able to discern a racial pattern, as the majority of the patients admitted for conduct disorder were Caucasians, but in our regression model we found that African Americans had a two-fold higher risk of being admitted for conduct disorder. A study by Proctor et al [ 9 ] stated that African American children are more likely to be diagnosed with conduct disorder. Also, children from low-income families have serious concerns in terms of conduct and attention functioning [ 9 ].…”

“…A study by Proctor et al [ 9 ] stated that African American children are more likely to be diagnosed with conduct disorder. Also, children from low-income families have serious concerns in terms of conduct and attention functioning [ 9 ]. In our study’s regression analysis, we found that children from families with a median household income below the 50th percentile had a 1.5-fold higher odds of psychiatric hospitalization for conduct disorder.…”

“…According to current data, the lifetime prevalence of conduct disorder is 6.9% in Hispanics, 4.9% in Blacks and 5.0% in Whites [ 8 ]. Caucasian children are more likely to be diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, whereas African American children are more likely to be diagnosed with conduct disorder [ 9 ]. Male teens, minorities and children from low-income families are likely to be diagnosed with severe problems linked to neurological, attention, and conduct functioning [ 9 ].…”

Conduct Disorder-Related Hospitalization and Substance Use Disorders in American Teens

“…Regardless of the higher prevalence of conduct disorder in Whites, we found that African Americans and Native American/Asian adolescents have higher odds for hospitalization and an inpatient study conducted by Patel et al [28] that studied the demographic predictors for conduct disorder-related hospitalization also showed similar findings that African Americans were two times more likely to be admitted for conduct disorder than other race/ethnicities. Few other studies have shown that African American children are more likely to be diagnosed with conduct disorder with a lifetime prevalence of 8.1% [30,31]. Self-reported and observed aggressive and externalizing behaviors are more prevalent among Black youths [32,33], which suggests that CD diagnoses are likely to be higher as well [34,35].…”

4.14 Conduct Disorder-Related Hospitalization and Substance Use Disorders in American Teens

“…Regardless of the higher prevalence of conduct disorder in Whites, we found that African Americans and Native American/Asian adolescents have higher odds for hospitalization and an inpatient study conducted by Patel et al [28] that studied the demographic predictors for conduct disorder-related hospitalization also showed similar findings that African Americans were two times more likely to be admitted for conduct disorder than other race/ethnicities. Few other studies have shown that African American children are more likely to be diagnosed with conduct disorder with a lifetime prevalence of 8.1% [30,31]. Self-reported and observed aggressive and externalizing behaviors are more prevalent among Black youths [32,33], which suggests that CD diagnoses are likely to be higher as well [34,35].…”