Clarie Lownie
University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Title: Conduct disorder: A retrospective record review of patients diagnosed with conduct disorder at Tara Psychiatric Hospital Children’s Clinic
Biography
Biography: Clarie Lownie
Abstract
Aim & Objective: Conduct Disorder is a serious psychiatric disorder with onset in childhood and adolescence and antisocial behaviour which may continue into adulthood. Characteristic externalising behaviours have the potential to negatively impact
on the wellbeing of the individual as well as on societal interactions. Th e aim of this study was to review the records of children and adolescents with a diagnosis of Conduct Disorder at a local specialised psychiatric hospital to identify possible associated factors.
Method: Clinical fi les at Th e Tara, H. Moross Centre’s Child and Adolescent Clinic were reviewed and those with Conduct Disorder were identifi ed. Variables in the dataset included gender, referral source, age at symptom onset, age when diagnosis was made, schooling, co-morbid diagnoses, pregnancy/ birth history, perinatal complications, attachment, primary caregiver, milestones, discipline style, exposure to violence/ abuse/ neglect, social circumstances, other conditions that may be a focus of clinical attention (“V” or “Z” codes), family psychiatric history and interventions. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses of the data were performed.
Result: A total of 953 fi les were reviewed, of which 107 (11.2%) of the mental health care users were diagnosed with having Conduct Disorder. Associated factors included: (1) having a parent as the primary caregiver seemed to have been a protective
factor; while (2) exposure to violence, abuse or neglect, having a family history of Antisocial Personality Disorder, or having 2 or more “V” or “Z” codes, were signifi cantly more oft en associated with severe conduct disordered features.
Conclusion: Considering these factors associated with an increased risk, may help to develop strategies for earlier detection and intervention in children and adolescents at risk.