Conduct disorder and underachievement

by Harvey P. Mandel

Much has been unearthed in recent years about the origins and development of conduct disorder (CD) in children and adolescents. Yet there is still considerable disagreement about the role academic underachievement plays in CD. Is underachievement a contributing factor to or a result of CD? While the jury is still out on this issue, one thing is certain: eventually, the relationship between them becomes a dialectical one - bad grades and antisocial behavior usually go hand in hand. Can this seemingly facile observation provide the basis for interventioins with certain types of conduct disorders? In Conduct Disorder and Underachievement, a leading authority on underachievement answers that question with a resounding "Yes" and demonstrates how. Through the window of two case histories complete with test results and diagnostic interviews, Dr. Mandel explores the full range of assessment issues, critically examines predominant treatment strategies, and provides helpful prevention guidelines