Neuropsychological assessment of a preteen with conduct disorder.

María Rocío Acosta,Juliana Triana,Diana Alonso,Alexandra Gaitán Chipatecua,Luisa Fonseca

doi:10.3922/j.psns.2012.1.07

Abstract

The main objective of this article was to describe the neuropsychological performance of a preteen diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV). An average level of intelligence but poor attention, memory, and language performance and executive function were found during the neuropsychological assessment. We also found significant detriments at the behavioral level that corresponded to the DSM-IV diagnosis. These results are consistent with studies of patients with frontal lobe dysfunction in which females with conduct disorder present a neuropsychological profile with greater compromises in cognitive processes. Consequently, the present text highlights the importance of obtaining a greater empirical and theoretical background for diagnosis and early intervention to reduce the social consequences of female criminality.

Highlights

In Latin America the psychosocial impact of behavioral alterations exhibited by children and adolescents is becoming more relevant
The subject met the diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder (Table 4)
The present article describes the neuropsychological performance of a preteen with conduct disorder

Summary

Introduction

In Latin America the psychosocial impact of behavioral alterations exhibited by children and adolescents is becoming more relevant. Cruz and Rodríguez (2009) observed a similar situation in Central and South America and established a relationship between child and adolescent violence and social exclusion variables. Among these behavioral alterations, conduct disorder presents behavioral signs and symptoms that may predict adult violence, a problem with high social and economic costs and consequences that cannot be ignored (Krug, Dahlberg, Mercy, & Lozano, 2002). The prevalence of conduct disorder is high and has increased in recent years, ranging from 4% to 7% and leading to greater socioeconomic failure in Latin America (Clark, Prior, & Kinsella, 2002; Morrell & Murray, 2003)

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