Early detection of mental disorders in child psychiatry: the accuracy of parental concerns

ABSTRACT

This study examines the reliability of parental concern (PC) as an indicator for mental disorders in preschool-aged children in a clinical setting, aiming to establish sensitivity and specificity, evaluate PC’s predictive value for specific diagnoses, and explore the influence of child age on predictions. The sample comprises 574 children referred to child psychiatry services (mean age 47 months, 73% boys). Analyses of sensitivity and specificity for five distinct PC were conducted, while logistic regressions explored the predictive value of PC for corresponding diagnoses, accounting for child age. Language-related concerns emerged as the most frequent and accurate. Sensitivity ranged from 7% to 72%, while specificity ranged from 57% to 97%. PC demonstrated predictive validity for their corresponding diagnoses, except for motor disorders. Child age did not substantially influence these predictions. Findings suggest that systematically incorporating PC into the assessment process for preschool-aged children consulting in child psychiatry is warranted.

KEYWORDS:

• Parental concern
• mental disorders
• early detection
• child psychiatry
• preschool

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Availability of data and materials

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Florence Valade, upon reasonable request.

Research involving human participants and/or animals

This study was conducted retrospectively from data obtained for clinical purposes. This research received full ethical approval by the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal Research Ethics Committee, number 2020-1989.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Société et Culture.

Notes on contributors

Florence Valade

Florence Valade completed her PhD in psychology at the University of Montreal. Her research interests include early detection of mental disorders, child development, and developmental language disorder.

Marie-Julie Béliveau

Marie-Julie Béliveau is a Professor in Clinical Child Psychology at the University of Montreal. Her research interests are in early childhood, assessment, parent-child relationships, developmental psychopathology, and adaptation over the lifespan.

Chantale Breault

Chantale Breault is a Speech-Language Pathologist and completed her PhD in Speech-Language Therapy and Audiology Sciences at the University of Montreal. Her research interests are in the assessment of Developmental Language Disorder and its functional impacts on social participation and inclusion of preschool children.

Fannie Labelle

Fannie Labelle completed her PhD in psychology at the University of Montreal. Her research interests include child development, intelligence, and developmental language disorder.