conduct disorder group therapy

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Conduct Disorder and Group Therapy

Conduct disorder is a condition seen in children and adolescents. It is characterized by a large number of problem behaviors and antisocial behaviors such as stealing, lying, physical aggression etc. A lot of children with conduct disorder are also addicted to alcohol or drugs. Conduct disorder is very difficult to treat. There are a number of medical and psychological treatments that can be given. Group therapy is one of treatments used for conduct disorder. It provides a forum for children and adolescents to discuss what they are going through and learn together. Here are some of the conduct disorder group therapy settings that can be used.

Children with conduct disorder have difficulties in making friends. They may also have poor non verbal social skills such as eye contact and body language. They may have poor presentation and personal hygiene. Social skills training helps them gain these skills that are essential for them to interact with people around them.

Problem Solving Treatment Group

Children with conduct disorder have poor problem solving skills. They find it difficult to cope with difficult situations, and thus respond by other measures such as lying, stealing or truancy. Learning to think about alternate solutions when faced with a problem is taught in a problem solving treatment group. Children work with a therapist and discuss various situations and what they can do when faced with such a situation. Then, they work on applying it in daily life.

Anger Management Group

Children and adolescents with conduct disorder often struggle with anger issues. They may not be able to control their anger, or respond to stressful situations and instead resort to physical aggression and violence. Anger management groups help them learn to control and channel their anger. A lot of exercises involve teaching techniques to help people respond in an adaptive way. Anger management groups have also been found effective.

Family Therapy Groups

Working with the family is an important aspect of treatment of conduct disorder. The therapist will examine the various interactions that occur within the family members and identify dysfunctional interactions and relationships. Family therapy groups may be used to help the family discuss issues with the child or adolescent with conduct disorder.

Precautions for Group Therapy in Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder group therapy must be done by a trained therapist for adolescents and children. This is very important because children with conduct disorder may engage in discussions of illegal behaviors. They may join together and disrupt the group. Furthermore, they could use the group to make friends who will join them in oppositional and illegal activities. Thus, the group goals must be specific and the advantages and disadvantages of the group must be well thought out. Opportunities must be given for adolescents and children with conduct disorders to meet and make friends with regular children. Group timings must be specific and unsupervised pre group and post group interactions between the children and adolescents must be avoided. Group therapy is an effective method for treatment but it needs to be used cautiously.

References

Andrea Barkoukis, N. S. (2008, Feb 4). Treatment of Conduct Disorder . Retrieved August 23, 2010, from Mental Help: https://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=14503&cn=37

Tylan, W. D. (2010, January 22). Conduct Disorder. Retrieved August 23, 2010, from E medicine: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/918213-overview

Wood, D. (2010, June). Group Therapy for Adolescents: Clinical Paper. Retrieved August 23, 2010, from Mental Health Matters: https://www.mental-health-matters.com/index.php?view=article&catid=43%3Aparenting&id=99%3Agroup-therapy-for-adolescents-clinical-paper&format=pdf&option=com_content