Latent class analysis reveals five homogeneous behavioural and developmental profiles in a large Dutch population sample of infants aged 14–15 months

Precursors of child psychiatric disorders are often present in infancy, but little is known about the prevalence and course of general psychopathology in population-based samples of children 0–3 years. We examined whether homogeneous behavioural and developmental profiles could be identified in children aged 14–15 months (M = 14.84; SD = 2.19), and we explored whether or not these profiles corresponded with existing classifications of DSM-IV-TR, ICD-10, and DC 0–3R. Parents of 6,330 children answered 74 items about externalizing, internalizing, and social-communicative behaviour. Exploratory factor analysis revealed nine factors: deviant communication, negative emotionality, deviant reactive behaviour, deviant play behaviour, demanding behaviour, social anxiety/inhibition, advanced social interaction problems, basic social interaction problems, and sleep problems. Latent class analysis yielded five profiles, of which three were associated with increased behavioural and developmental problems. Some infants (5.7 %) had communication and social interaction problems corresponding to multisystem developmental disorders (DC 0–3R) and suggestive of anxiety, mood, or pervasive developmental disorders (DSM-IV-TR, ICD-10). Other infants (16.4 %) had communication problems, possibly precursors of communication, language, or speech disorders (DSM-IV-TR, ICD-10). Yet other infants (10.8 %) showed negative and demanding behaviour suggestive of regulation disorders (DC 0–3R), attention-deficit and disruptive behaviour disorders (DSM-IV-TR), or hyperkinetic and conduct disorders (ICD-10). Thus, even in infancy certain distinct behavioural and developmental profiles can be recognized. This combined approach will enable follow-up research into the stability of factors, classes, and profiles over time, and will facilitate early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of behavioural and developmental problems.