Just a phase? Mapping the transition of behavioural problems from childhood to adolescence.

Common profiles of behavioural problems matched known comorbidity patterns but crucially showed that the presentation of behavioural problems changes markedly between childhood and adolescence. While problems with hyperactivity/impulsivity, motor control and conduct were prominent in childhood, adolescents showed profiles of problems related to emotional control, anxiety and inattention. Transitions were associated with socio-economic status and cognitive performance in childhood CONCLUSION: We show that understanding behavioural difficulties and mental ill-health must take into account the developmental context in which the problems occur, and we establish key risk factors for specific negative transitions as children become adolescents.