Early Intervention for the Prevention of Conduct Disorder: Research Issues in Early Identification, Implementation, and Interpretation of Treatment Outcome

Conduct disorder typically develops in a context of multiple determinants. Parent and child characteristics, the dynamics of the interaction between the parent and child, and how that interaction is impacted by economic, cultural, and social circumstances of the family are determinants in the development of a conduct disorder. Critical factors for successful preventive intervention for conduct disorder include early identification of children at risk, intervention in multiple contexts, teaching developmentally appropriate skills, and longitudinal intervention with continued maintenance and transition support. This article discusses the issues and challenges inherent in prevention research, including challenges in recruiting and working with parents who are stressed by the effects of poverty, designing appropriate interventions for young children, and using outcome measures that reflect developmental continuities, subject attrition, and fidelity of treatment.