ABSTRACT
Rachel Gittelman and Donald F. Klein rightly point to the methodological shortcomings that render replication so very difficult, but they comfort themselves on the ground that several studies offer some degree of support for the existence of the relationship. Prospective investigations offer the most convincing evidence in favor of an evolving psychopathology. Although difficult to carry out because of the time factor, use of a short-term longitudinal design permits to capture at least some of the advantages inherent in such prospective-predictive investigations. Achenbach’s earlier work highlights his consistent and systematic development as a nosologist, and it at once raises what Gittelman and Klein refer to as “the ever present controversy” whether a dimensional or taxonomic model provides best explanation for clinical phenomena. Clinical research is becoming more and more a feature of children’s psychiatric clinics throughout the country, and T. M. Achenbach’s assessment procedure is being incorporated into traditional focus on guidance and treatment schedule of many of the clinics.
