Conduct disorder is characterized by the repeated violation of the rights of others and the inability to follow the basic norms of society. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports an estimated 4 percent of children ages 9 to 17 have this disorder. Conduct disorder usually appears in early childhood; those at risk for developing this disorder often have disrupted environments such as homes with abuse, parental disconnect or poverty. Treatment for conduct disorder is not only specific to the child but also involves parental training and family therapy.
Behavior Modification
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry suggests behavioral therapy interventions for treating conduct disorder. Behavior modification involves using therapeutic techniques to change or adjust inappropriate behaviors by reinforcing positive or desired behaviors. The basics behind this type of treatment are reward and punishment, which teach the child the consequences of his actions. Children participate in behavior modification therapy with a trained clinician, who initially observes the child's behaviors, then develops a series of steps for the child and parents to learn. Caregivers use reinforcers to promote the positive behaviors the child displays and punishment to decrease inappropriate behaviors. The National Youth Network explains that for this type of treatment to work, parents must maintain consistency with their child.
Psychotherapy
In a general sense, treatment in the form of psychotherapy means using any technique necessary to achieve the desired outcomes for improved quality of life. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests using psychotherapy with an emphasis on problem solving and social skill development for children with conduct disorder. Psychotherapy includes teaching communication between the child and parents, creating household boundaries and monitoring social activities. Psychotherapy sessions may involve the family to emphasize the role of each member and demonstrate how each family member's behavior impacts the family and other members. The child receives individual sessions to express his concerns while also learning to build a bond of trust with an adult figure of authority.
Medication
Pharmacotherapy, or the use of medication, is necessary in some cases as a supplement to behavior modification or psychotherapy. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that there are no medications approved for treating conduct disorder alone. Some children with this disorder display anxiety, aggression and hyperactivity, however, which indicate the presence of a co-occurring condition that may respond to medications. The idea behind pharmacotherapy with conduct disorder is to decrease the comorbid symptoms of depression, anxiety or attention deficit/hyperacitivity disorder to make treatment of the behavior disturbances with regular therapy effective. Parents who do not opt for medication interventions can still find successful treatment through traditional therapy methods.
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Conduct Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Conduct Disorder
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Children and Adolescents with Conduct Disorder
- National Youth Network: Behavior Modification
