Review of the evidence base for treatment of childhood psychopathology: externalizing disorders

Abstract

This article reviews controlled research on treatments for childhood externalizing behavior disorders. The review is organized around 2 subsets of such disorders: disruptive behavior disorders (i.e., conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The review was based on a literature review of nonresidential treatments for youths ages 6-12. The pool of studies for this age group was limited, but results suggest positive outcomes for a variety of interventions (particularly parent training and community-based interventions for disruptive behavior disorders and medication for ADHD). The review also highlights the need for additional research examining effectiveness of treatments for this age range and strategies to enhance the implementation of effective practices.