Conduct Disorder and Offending Behaviour in Young People: Findings from Research

Offending behaviour in young people is a problem not only for affected neighbours and communities; it is also a serious problem to the young people involved. Behaviour problems and involvement in criminal activities have been linked to continued offending, substance misuse, lack of education and work - all factors that are linked, in turn, with shorter life expectancy. This book evaluates interventions designed for use with adolescent problem behaviour, with a view to encouraging effective practice in services for young people with conduct disorder. These include treatment programmes such as cognitive behaviour therapy - social skills training and anger management for instance - family therapies, foster care interventions and pharmacological treatments. The authors also look at the criteria for diagnosing conduct disorder and how to design appropriate interventions for individuals according to their particular behavioural traits. Drawing a wide range of high quality research evidence into one place and presenting it for the non-specialist, this book will be essential reading for child and adolescent mental health practitioners, social workers, youth offending teams and other professionals working with young people with conduct problems and their families. Written for professionals, and parents, these accessible, evidence-based resources are essential reading for anyone seeking to understand and promote children and young people's mental health. Drawing on the work of FOCUS, a multidisciplinary project based at the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Research Unit, each title in the series brings together practical and policy-level suggestions with up-to-the-minute analysis of research.