Conduct disorder is a serious psychiatric disorder affecting children and teens. Onset before age 10 usually leads to a worse prognosis. People with conduct disorder show disregard for the rights of others and the rules of society. These adolescents may fight with weapons, sexually assault those who are physically weaker, consistently violate curfew, set fires and steal. Parents are often frightened and dismayed by these behaviors. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry explains that these children are best helped by a combination of therapeutic techniques. Behavioral treatment plans lay out the course of treatment so that parents, children and therapists can work toward the same goal.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The University of Virginia Health System says that treatment plans for cognitive behavioral therapy for conduct disorder incorporate impulse control and anger management training with the teaching of enhanced communication techniques. The adolescent is given the skills to effectively solve problems without violating rules or the rights of others. Self-control is gained through consistent encouragement for appropriate behavior.
Parent Management Training
This type of treatment plan incorporates the family into the healing process. Parents are taught ways to bond with the child, with an emphasis on teaching parents how to use positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior. Parent management training can reverse the feelings of alienation often suffered by adolescents with a conduct disorder, making the child more amenable to positive change. Home assignments are usually given and the results discussed during therapy sessions. The goal of this treatment is to help the family work as a functional unit, lessening the need for the child's aggression and giving her a strong foundation as she works to improve her behaviors in her school and social life.
Social Skills Training
Social skills training teaches the adolescent how to interact in ways that foster healthy relationships with peers and others. Behavioral treatment plans may begin with role-playing that expands into assignments to offer emotional support to a person or to provide assistance to a peer in need. These assignments are completed and the results discussed with the therapist. Skills to manage conflict in healthy ways may be explored. In time, broader assignments may be given, with the goal of successful integration into society without the need for aggressive behaviors.
References
- "Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: Concepts of Care in Evidence-Based Practice;" Mary C. Townsend, M.N., A.P.R.N.; 2006
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: Your Adolescent -- Conduct Disorders
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: Conduct Disorder
- University of Virginia Health System: Conduct Disorder
