Family Behavior Therapy in a Conduct-Disordered and Substance-Abusing Adolescent

Abstract

The present case study describes a Family Behavior Therapy (FBT) method used to treat an adolescent substance-dependent youth who evidenced co-occurring symptoms of conduct disorder and major depressive disorder. The case example includes a description of the youth's assessment, including mental status, relevant background information, substance abuse history, use of standardized measures and urine drug assay tests, diagnostic impressions, conceptualization, and method of developing the treatment plan. Implementation of the FBT program is fully delineated, including examples of completed therapy worksheets and ongoing assessments of drug use, conduct, school performance, and mood. Results, albeit uncontrolled, indicated significant progress throughout intervention and at 6 month follow-up.