Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Their Effect on Development

Introduction

This chapter investigates Oppositional Defiant disorder (ODD) and Conduct disorder (CD) based on their similarities, differences, and controversies. Both of these disorders can develop during childhood and adolescence. Oppositional defiant disorder's symptomatology includes hostile, uncontrollable anger, vindictiveness, and defying others. This chapter will investigate the environmental and biological factors that can influence its development as well as its psychosocial components. Conduct disorder will be largely discussed throughout this chapter due to its complex symptomatology and subtypes. The DSM-V (APA 2013) states that aggressivity, destruction of property, cruelty, and violation of rules are criteria of CD. Many researchers note that there is a covert and overt subtype as well as an aggressive and non-aggressive type (Loeber, Burke, Lahey, Winters & Zera 2000) which can lead to misdiagnosis and will also be investigated throughout this review. CD and ODD can also strongly impact a child's academic performance and relationships with others due to their associated externalized, disruptive behaviors. The chapter will discuss the social adversities with peers and the negative parent-child relationships that are often related to the disorders.

Many psychologists have investigated the roots of disruptive behaviour disorders, questioning whether they are hereditary, due to environmental factors or both. This chapter also looks into the predictors of these disorders as well as their outcomes. Oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder can lead to the development of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and psychopathy in the adult years. These psychopathologies can be extremely detrimental to one's life, which is the reason why signs of ODD and CD need to be detected and treated early. Similarities in the disorders' symptoms cause many psychologists to believe that ODD should be described as a milder version of CD. While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) (APA 2013) separates the disorders; CD includes a vast majority of ODD's symptomatology. The DSM-V have them registered in the disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders class (APA 2013). This chapter will be investigating, through a comprehensive literature review, different perspectives and findings on this controversy.

Finally, four different types of therapy will be discussed, since conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder can affect children and adolescents with varying levels of severity. Each form of intervention has its target and techniques. Parent-child interaction, Cognitive Behavioral, Multisystemic and Mindfulness Therapy will be discussed to conclude this chapter. Conduct and oppositional defiant disorder are to be taken seriously and seeking treatments critical towards helping individuals avoid any life-long consequences.