effect of family training on salivary cortisol in children with disruptive behavior disorder

ABSTRACT

Antisocial, aggressive and delinquent behaviors in adults often begin early in life. Basal cortisol is a valuable biological marker in children with disruptive behavior disorder [DBD]. To investigate the association between biological factor [cortisol] and disruptive behaviors, we studied the effect of family training on salivary cortisol level in children with DBD. Basal salivary cortisol levels were studied in 19 children with DBD, [aged 8 -13 years old] prior and 2 months after the treatment. The disruptive behavior of the child was also assessed by Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL], before and 2 months after treatment. Children with lower basal cortisol level had more sever behavioral problems. Surprisingly, this group had a better response to family therapy. Parental training is an effective method for behavioral modification of children with DBD. Salivary cortisol can be considered as a biological marker for the severity of disruptive behavior and response to therapy