Diagnostic accuracy of the Achenbach child behavior checklist for externalizing and internalizing disorders : towards an integrative categorical and dimensional approach to clinical diagnosis.

This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of Achenbach’s Child Behavior Checklist for clinician-diagnosed childhood externalizing and internalizing psychopathology, based on information from an archival dataset of 1,000 Singaporean children and adolescents, aged 4 to 18 years old. Results showed that, on a broad-band level, CBCL Externalizing and Internalizing scales differentially predicted externalizing and internalizing disorders respectively. Additionally, diagnostic accuracy of narrow-band CBCL scales for specific disorders was evaluated. CBCL Attention Problems, Delinquent Behavior, and Anxious/Depressed scales differentially predicted ADHD, ODD/CD, and anxiety disorder respectively. Findings demonstrate the diagnostic accuracy of the CBCL as an overall rating scale on both broad-band and narrow-band levels, thus supporting a multi-informant approach and an integration of categorical and dimensional diagnostic methods in clinical assessment.Bachelor of Art