Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder (CD) is characterized by behavior that violates either the basic rights of others, or significant age-appropriate societal norms or rules (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022). An ecological perspective is necessary to reliably identify risk and protective factors related to CD, requiring a thorough investigation of individual, parent/caregiver, family, school, and broader community factors. Relatedly, assessment procedures must be multi-method, multi-informant, and cross-context to appropriately guide treatment. In treating CD, the recommended approach is primarily therapeutic, with pharmacological interventions available to reduce specific maladaptive symptoms (Masi et al., 2023). Specific therapeutic interventions may include multisystemic therapy, parent management training, and direct skills training to youth, in addition to school-based approaches. To ensure fidelity of these treatments, providers must commit to ongoing critical and intentional self-analysis to address biases to appropriately utilize diagnostic criteria for decision-making.