This chapter covers disruptive behavior problems, including
oppositional and attentional difficulties; emotional problems
such as fears, phobias and depression; and feeding problems
in the age period 0–5 years. It will begin by considering common
developmental aspects and causal explanations of early
behavioral problems, followed by describing, for each type
of disorder, classification, prevalence and stability. Finally, we
discuss treatment. Other problems common in the early years
are discussed in chapters on sleep (see chapter 54), attachment
disorder (see chapter 55) and developmental disorders (see
chapters 3, 34, 46 and 47). Cross-reference is also made to
chapters on similar disorders in older children.