Conduct disorders

This chapter reviews the information from the research studies conducted on the conduct problems (CP) in children, with the application of this information in clinical practice. It reviews available behavioral assessment strategies for CP, considerations when selecting assessment methods (that is, clinical utility), developmental factors to consider in behavioral assessment of CP, and the relationship between behavioral assessment data, and case conceptualization and treatment. Finally, it provides a case example of the application of behavioral assessment methods to CP. Various behavioral assessment methods are available to assist the clinician working with youth with CP, and their families. While historically, behavioral assessment relied primarily on idiographic methods of assessment, modern behavioral assessment involves a blend of idiographic and nomothetic approaches. Such an approach is consistent with the developmental psychopathology approach to understanding childhood difficulties, which is increasingly permeating thinking about child psychopathology. As research continues to provide information about the presentation of CP and the variables impacting their development and maintenance, researchers also continue to focus on psychometrically sound, clinically relevant assessment instruments and practices. © 2006