Project 3 seeks to understand the longitudinal pattern of behavioral problems in twin children by following upa sample previously systematically ascertained from birth records. The project uses genetic latent classanalysis applied to 3-occasion, longitudinal data (age 7-8 years, 12-13 years, and 15-16 years) as afoundation for understanding temperamental and family risk factors, as well as to provide a sample forstudying neural correlates of adolescent anxiety in Project 4. We predict that the child's standing on a profileof seven dimensions (depressed, socially anxious, worried/obsessive, inattentive, impulsive, hyperactive,defiant/aggressive/callous) assessed with multiple methods will reveal heterogeneity within existing DSM-IVdiagnostic categories and commonality among subgroups of children with different DSM-IV diagnoses.Several risk factors will be examined within the context of latent growth curve analysis, including basal andreactive cortisol patterns studied longitudinally, allelic variants of 8 genes, family stress and observed familyinteraction patterns, pregnancy and birth complications, and childhood temperament.Operationally, the project involves conducting telephone interviews of both twins and their mothers for asample over 1,200 twins and their mothers, extensive statistical analyses of the longitudinal data, and alaboratory-based assessment of a subsample who qualify for a diagnosis of anxiety disorder or depression.The laboratory-based assessment battery will include a structured psychiatric interview, cognitive/affectiveassessments (reaction time and other performance-based measures), and the Trier Social Stress Test asprotocol to activate the HPA axis.Results should improve understanding of (1) nosology of childhood anxiety problems; (2) how risk factors actover a substantial period of childhood and adolescence; and (3) cognitive and other processes that may formthe substrate of anxious behavior.
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