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Vol. 20 no. 2
“repetitive persistent pattern of behavior
in which the basic rights of others or
major age-appropriate societal norms or
rules are violated” (APA, 2013, p. 93).
In general, the disorder seems to affect
between 1–10% of the population,
tends to be found mostly in the male
population, and has an early onset that
is stable across time. The core character-
istics involved with CD are as follows:
n
Aggressive behavior toward people
and animals
n
Destruction of property
n
Deceitfulness or theft
n
Truancy or running away
ADHD and ODD, in some
research, are considered to be precursors
for conduct problems, with ADHD
seen to be significantly comorbid. CD
is also frequently comorbid with certain
mood disorders, such as major depres-
sion, anxiety, and somatization. The
following represent common thera-
peutic models:
n
Multisystemic Therapy:
Uses a
variety of interventions at various
systems, including family therapy,
school consulting, peer group strate-
gies, marital and individual therapy
(Schoenwald, Brown & Henggeler,
2000)
n
Multicomponent Interventions:
No single treatment will work
in most cases and multiple treat-
ment approaches, such as Parent
Management Training and Problem
Solving Skills Training, may be
necessary
Like any disorder, the sooner one can
begin treatment, the better the prog-
nosis. Early effective intervention of
behavioral noncompliance can lessen the
likelihood of these behaviors continuing
into later childhood and adolescence.
Parents may not be able or know how
to get help. Because these disorders are
behavioral in nature, schools, commu-
nities, and even churches often place
blame on parents for their children’s
difficulties. In some cases, parental
dynamics may play a role, but blaming
parents is not helpful in treating these
disorders. Parents can also feel guilty for
their children’s behavior and/or may be
dealing with their own disorders, such
as depression or anxiety, which makes
it that much more difficult to get help.
Statements such as, “If these parents
would just discipline their kids, they
would behave,” may cause parents to be
ostracized and potentially isolated.
There is a need for the Christian
community to come alongside parents
of children facing disruptive disor-
ders to provide support and care. The
Church is called to “Carry each other’s
burdens, and in this way you will fulfill
the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2) and
offer hope in the midst of desperation.
Carrying the burden for these fami-
lies includes giving them a faith-filled
vision of redemption and hope from the
Savior.
✠
Steve Warren, M.A.,
is an Assistant Professor in
Counseling and also serves
as the Associate Dean for the
Center for Counseling and
Family Studies at Liberty
University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
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