assessment of children and young people with possible conduct disorder

Last edited 10/2020 and last reviewed 10/2020

Initial assessment of children and young people with a possible conduct disorder

• for the initial assessment of a child or young person with a suspected conduct disorder, consider using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (completed by a parent, carer or teacher)
• assess for the presence of the following significant complicating factors:
  • a coexisting mental health problem (for example, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder)
  • a neurodevelopmental condition (in particular ADHD and autism)
  • a learning disability or difficulty
  • substance misuse in young people

Comprehensive assessment

• the standard components of a comprehensive assessment of conduct disorders should include asking about and assessing the following:
  • core conduct disorders symptoms including:
    • patterns of negativistic, hostile, or defiant behaviour in children aged under 11 years
    • aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft and serious violations of rules in children aged over 11 years
  • current functioning at home, at school or college and with peers
  • parenting quality
  • history of any past or current mental or physical health problems

Reference:

• (1) NICE (April 2017). Antisocial behaviour and conduct disorders in children and young people: recognition, intervention and management