The purpose of this paper is to examine current treatments for conduct disorder. The discussion begins with a definition of conduct disorder and a specification of its diagnostic features, subtypes, severity levels and associated features. Prevalence rates and demographic contributors are briefly discussed. This discussion is followed by a description of current treatment modes.
The American Psychiatric Association (DSM IV, 1994), defines the essential feature of conduct disorder as a consistent pattern of antisocial behavior in violation of the rights of others. In order for the diagnosis to be given, the behavior must have been both persistent and repetitive for at least six months. Diagnosed in childhood and/or adolescence, symptoms of the condition include fighting, temper tantrums, stealing, lying, fire setting, assaults, rape and truant behavior.
DSM III-R (1987) states that their are two subtypes of conduct disorder. The first subtype is childhood-onset type diagnosed prior to ten years of age and characterized by frequent physical aggression and disturbed peer relationships. According to the DSM III-R, individuals with this subtype:
...may have had Oppositional Defiant Disorder during early childhood, and usually have symptoms that meet full criteria for Conduct Disorder prior to puberty. These individuals are more likely to have persistent Conduct Disorder and to develop adult Antisocial Personality Disorder than are those with Adolescent-Onset type. (p.86)
Adolescent-onset type conduct disorder is characterized by less aggression and more normalized peer relationships. DSM III-R states that:
These individuals are less likely to have persistent Conduct Disorder or to develop adult Antisocial Personality Disorder. The ratio of males to females with Conduct Disorder is lower for the Adolescent-Onset Type than for the Childhood-Onset Type. (p.87)
Conduct disorders can be mild, moderate, or s...