What tests are available for the detection of behavioral abnormalities?

Conspicuous behavior is difficult to define. The spectrum begins with slight deviations from the norm and ends shortly before manifest mental disorders. Since even the definition of behavioral conspicuousness is difficult, the associated diagnostics and testing is also not easier.

Because it is not a defined clinical picture, but rather a multitude of different manifestations with and without a disease value, there can be no test that uniquely records every problem behavior. Nevertheless, every child with suspected behavioral abnormalities should be tested, since there are now quite good test procedures for the most common behavioral abnormalities. These include, for example, screening for behavioral problems in schools (SVS), which is a questionnaire for teachers and differentiates between aggressive behavior, hyperactivity, internalizing disorders and problems with skills or resource use.

The CBCL (child behaviour check list), which records emotional and behavioural problems, has long been established and can also be used for younger children. The Vineland Scales focus more on the intellectual abilities of the child and are used for behavioral observation. There are many other comparable tests based on this principle of the symptom scale, which can be used at the therapist’s discretion.

Thus, if the child shows one of these typical behavioral disorders, they are detected relatively reliably. In the case of only slight or atypical abnormalities, however, these procedures reach their limits. Many of the other tests that are additionally carried out with the affected children serve to exclude other causes, such as ADHD or mental illness, and to record the current psychological well-being including intellectual abilities.

Especially in the case of ADHD, which many consider to be a behavioral disorder, differentiation is important, since this disorder is treated completely differently (and with medication). The determination of the psychological development is also part of the diagnosis. Based on the results of these tests, a detailed anamnesis and a physical examination, the treating physician or therapist can then determine the presence of a behavioral disorder or order further examinations.