Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder

Abstract

Externalizing disorders of children constitute one of the most common reasons that children are referred to mental health clinics for treatment (Frick and Silverthorn, 2001). This fact is not surprising given the disruptions that children with these disorders often cause to those around them, especially to parents and teachers who are most likely to refer a child for treatment. Further, given the association between externalizing disorders and many costly and impairing outcomes (e.g., substance abuse, delinquency), understanding and effectively treating children with these disorders is an important endeavor for psychologists and other mental health professionals. Fortunately, there is a large body of research on children with severe conduct problems. As summarized in this chapter, research has led to great advances in our understanding of the causes of these disorders and the development of effective interventions to prevent and treat them. Unfortunately, this research is often not tr