B – 101 Examining Externalizing Behaviors in Childhood MDD and Anxiety: Findings from ASEBA and Conners' Scales

Abstract Objective This study examines the differences in Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA) and Conners' Rating Scale (CPRS/CTRS) scores between individuals diagnosed with MDD and Anxiety to identify key behavioral markers distinguishing these disorders. Method The data were chosen from a de-identified child database in the Neuropsychology Assessment Center (NAC) at Nova Southeastern University. The sample chosen consisted of children with MDD (N=22) and Anxiety (N=20). The participants were mostly male (66.7%). The racial background consisted of Caucasians (69.0%), African Americans (19.0%), Latino-Hispanics (9.52%), and Other (2.3%). The mean education of the sample was 4.29 years and the mean age was 9.95. Using secondary data analysis, we conducted multiple independent samples t-tests comparing T-scores across aggression, delinquency, hyperactivity, conduct problems, emotional overindulgence, and asocial behavior. Statistical significance was assessed using Bonferroni/FDR correction, and effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated. Results MDD showed significantly higher scores than Anxiety in aggression (p = 0.009, d = 1.06) and conduct problems (p = 0.001, d = 1.26), both with large effect sizes. Other externalizing behaviors, including hyperactivity, delinquency, and asocial behavior, demonstrated medium-to-large effect sizes but did not survive correction. Conclusion Children with MDD exhibited more externalizing behaviors—particularly aggression and conduct problems—than those with Anxiety. These findings suggest externalizing symptoms may serve as behavioral indicators of pediatric depression. Clinicians should consider these patterns when differentiating between mood and anxiety disorders to improve diagnostic accuracy and inform more targeted, behaviorally driven interventions.