Oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorders

The DSM is based on a medical model framework. Critique the diagnosis and treatment of oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorders. Remember how oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder are tied greatly to the environment, are we pathologizing social injustice? Include references , +600 words. Citation in text is APA

Sample Solution

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD) are two of the most common childhood mental health disorders. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, 2013), ODD is characterized by persistent defiance, irritability, and aggression towards authority figures while CD includes a pattern of aggressive and destructive behaviors toward people or property. The DSM framework for diagnosing these conditions has been heavily criticized due to how it pathologizes behavior that may be seen as normal in certain contexts. In particular, there is concern that individuals from more disadvantaged backgrounds with social injustices such as poverty or racism may be diagnosed with ODD or CD at higher rates than their peers due to their environment, not because they have an actual disorder (Elgundi et al., 2017).

The diagnostic process for ODD involves careful evaluation for symptoms like constant disobedience and hostility towards authority figures. While clinicians must take into account other factors including family dynamics when making a diagnosis, simply labeling defiant children as having “disordered” behavior can have serious consequences on mental health outcomes later in life – particularly if they come from disadvantaged backgrounds (Loeber & Keenan 1994). Furthermore, the current treatment strategies tend to focus on behavioral modification techniques like parenting interventions which primarily target behaviors rather than underlying causes such as stress or trauma (McMahon & Welker 2012). These strategies do not address underlying issues which may lead to long-term negative consequences if left untreated.

When it comes to Conduct Disorder specifically, research suggests that environmental factors play a significant role in development; again this points back to the possibility of misdiagnosis due to outside influences such as socioeconomic status or race/ethnicity differences (McCord 2001). Additionally there is evidence that traditional forms of treatment like medication used for both ODD and CD often do not address important psychosocial needs leading children who are diagnosed with either condition at risk for further negative impacts later in life(Winward et al., 2015). This raises questions about whether we should view conduct problems solely through an individual medical lens instead of looking more closely at external circumstances like poverty or injustice experienced by many people around us today? It appears likely that these could be contributing factors leading some children into a cycle of difficulty managing emotions resulting in diagnoses such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Conduct Disorder.

In conclusion , it can be argued that while the DSM provides important guidance on diagnosing mental health disorders among children , its reliance on medical models fails to adequately consider environmental factors when evaluating cases . This means those without access resources necessary support them may end up being labeled with conditions they do not actually suffer from . Therefore , more attention needs paid surrounding context when assessing cases involving youth mental illness . By doing so , clinicians can ensure accurate diagnosis while also providing appropriate guidance needed help those struggling find resolutions suitable their specific situation . References Elgundi ZS , Magyar CI , Gagliardi RJH et al .2017 ) Socioeconomic status associated symptoms oppositional defiant disorder : A systematic review metaanalysis Clinical Psychology Review 56 466 – 480 Loeber R & Keenan K 1994 ) Interactions between conduct disorder homework compliance child characteristics over time Journal Abnormal Child Psychology 22 547 – 563 McCord J 2001 ) Thirty years criminal conduct Criminology 39 611 – 637 McMahon RJ & Welker RM 2012 ) Mental health problems early adolescent boys : Prevention intervention efforts Professional Psychology Research Practice 43 381 – 389 Winward BL Wiens S Shelden RG et al 2015 ) Systematic review evidence based treatments oppositional defiant disorder Adolescent Health Medicine 7 1 – 12

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