What primary treatment is evidence-based for youth with conduct disorder?

The primary treatment for youth with conduct disorder that is evidence-based is social competence training. This approach aims to improve interpersonal skills, enhance emotional regulation, and promote positive social interactions. By focusing on developing skills such as empathy, communication, and problem-solving, social competence training helps youth with conduct disorder learn more adaptive behaviors and responses to social situations.

This method is supported by research indicating that teaching children and adolescents specific social skills can lead to significant improvements in their behavior and overall functioning. It is a proactive approach that not only addresses current behavioral issues but also aids in the prevention of future problems.

Other approaches, while they may play a role in treatment, do not have the same level of evidence supporting their effectiveness. For instance, medications might be used to manage specific symptoms or co-occurring disorders but are not the primary treatment for conduct disorder itself. Isolation therapy is generally not supported in evidence-based treatment guidelines for conduct disorder, as it does not address the underlying issues and can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and aggression. Similarly, while parental guidance is beneficial, it is most effective when combined with direct interventions like social competence training, rather than standing alone as the sole treatment method.