pediatrics
Conduct Disorder
Treatment of Conduct Disorder
Medications to treat comorbid disorders Psychotherapy Sometimes placement in a residential center Treating comorbid disorders with medications and psychotherapy may improve self-esteem and self-control and ultimately improve control of conduct disorder. Medications may include stimulants, mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotics, especially short-term use ofrisperidone. Moralization and dire admonitions are ineffective and should be avoided. Individual psychotherapy, including cognitive therapy and behavior modification, may help. Often, seriously disturbed children and adolescents must be placed in residential centers where their behavior can be managed appropriately, thus separating them from the environment that may contribute to their aberrant behavior. 