Primary prevention of conduct disorder

Conduct disorders represent one of the most troubling and persistent childhood psychiatric disorders. This serious condition has a poor long-term prognosis and entails a wide range of negative consequences over the life span. No single intervention strategy has been identified that successfully alters its negative course. This article reviews developmental findings and previous intervention efforts and provides a rationale for approaching the problem of Conduct Disorder through primary preventive intervention. A comprehensive, family-based prevention model and specific clinical strategies for intervention are described. A case example is used to illustrate the integration of program components.