Understanding Conduct Disorder and Oppositional-Defiant Disorder: A guide to symptoms, management and treatment

Understanding Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiance Disorder offers parents, caregivers and practitioners a concise, accessible introduction to the science behind CD and ODD and popular treatments, together with practical advice on how to approach challenging behaviour.

It covers a range of important topics including distinguishing between typical and atypical behavioural development, how to choose the best course of treatment for a child, and how parental behaviour can help or hinder progress. Written in straightforward language, each chapter concludes with "important points" summarising key information, designed to help those living or working with children suffering from behavioural disorders to both understand the nature of the disorders and achieve the best outcome for the child. The final chapter presents an in-depth case study of a child with behavioral disorders, thoroughly detailing symptoms, treatment and outcome, providing a demonstration of best practice and affirming that challenging behavior can be effectively managed.

Illustrated with clinical vignettes of the experiences of children living with CD and ODD, Understanding Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiance Disorder is essential reading for parents and caregivers, as well as practitioners in clinical and educational psychology, counselling, mental health, nursing, child welfare, public healthcare, and those in education.

Laura Vanzin is a psychologist and psychotherapist at the Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea in Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy, and a lecturer at the Catholic University of Milan.

Valentina Mauri is a psychologist and psychotherapist at the Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea in Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy.