Classification of Behavior Problems of Children

DSM-II subdivides behavior disorders of childhood and adolescence into seven categories: "hyperkinetic reaction," "withdrawing reaction," "overanxious reaction," "runaway reaction," "unsocialized aggressive reaction," and "group delinquent reaction," plus "other reaction." The first six reactions represent clinically recognizable symptomatic clusters supported by research studies. The author outlines the problems of treating children in each of these groups, noting that the treatment can with advantage be individualized from a general pattern appropriate to the general type of problem.