Characteristics Related to Depression in Adolescent Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Externalized behavioral problems are prevalent in adolescents, due to the difficulties associated with this developmental stage. Conduct Disorder (CD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), as well as other psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder, result in the manifestation of many behavioral problems during adolescence. METHODS: For this report, we analyzed a sample of 31 adolescents, each of whom had presented with CD or ODD at Chosun University Hospital between 2002 and 2010. We separated subjects into depressed and non-depressed groups according to their Beck Depression Inventory scores (BDI or =10, depressed). Then we analyzed for neuropsychological differences between the depressed and non-depressed groups. RESULTS: In our sample, adolescents in the depressed group showed less of a stealing (deceitfulness and/or theft) behavioral pattern and presented with more anxiety symptoms, lower self-esteem, and greater sensitivity in interpersonal relationships, as compared to the non-depressed group. CONCLUSION: When adolescents exhibit disruptive behavior, clinicians should consider the underlying causes of the behavior.