Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health And Development Disorders Of Infancy and Early Childhood: DC:0-3R

by Zero to Three

was the first developmentally based system for diagnosing mental health and developmental disorders in infants and toddlers. Its diagnostic categories reflected the consensus of a multidisciplinary group of experts in early childhood development and mental health. The newly revised draws on empirical research and clinical practice that have occurred worldwide since 1994. is designed to help mental health and other professionals. The features recognize mental health and developmental challenges in young children; understand how relationships and environmental factors contribute to mental health and developmental disorders; use diagnostic criteria effectively for classification and intervention; and work more effectively with parents and other professionals to develop effective treatment plans. enhances your ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat mental health problems in the earliest years by identifying and describing disorders not addressed in other classification systems and by pointing the way to effective intervention approaches.

Genres: Psychology

75 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2005

Reviews

[Mills College Library]

618.9289 D5364c 2005

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Research shows that the most important developmental period occurs in the first three years of life. It is during this time that the foundation is laid in terms of attachment styles and ways of relating to oneself and others. In other words, all of the relationships that you've formed throughout your life have some basis in (whether in response or reaction to) the relationships you had in these early years. Before you could choose your parents or other caregivers, their level of healthiness (or lack thereof) became innately tied to that of your own in a way you will never be able to completely undo. For this reason, it becomes abundantly clear that these early years (from 0-3 years old) are critical, and they deserve the attention of the psychological community.

This diagnostic manual shines light on the different things with which infants and toddlers may struggle, many of which are shaped by the influence, whether it be destructive or protective, of the relevant caregivers. If you are interested in this age group, I strongly recommend a perusal. When we talk about taking care of the next generation, it literally starts at Day 1.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This manual has two really critical things going for it: 1) It recognizes that mental health in very young children is still dynamic, and that young children haven't differentiated enough yet to have a zillion categories. The Axis I options are simple and broad. 2) It recognizes that in very young children, the family is part of the disorder and the disorder is part of the family.

It's still got a categorical focus that is probably unavoidable in a diagnostic system, which is my one big complaint. Kids aren't categorical, they exist on a spectrum.

But ultimately, I'd love a diagnostic system for kids 3-12 that looks more like this and less like the DSM.