The rebellious adolescent. Evaluation and management of oppositional and conduct disorders

A wide variety of management options are available to the primary care physician who is presented with a rebellious adolescent. After a careful assessment, the clinician and other health care professionals can choose a diverse combination of interventions: individual therapy, family therapy, youth-centered programs, community-centered programs, psychopharmacology, and others. Rebellious adolescents need access to comprehensive medical and mental health care, academic education (including sexuality education), and full employment opportunities. Primary care physicians can play a vital and sometimes pivotal role coordinating services and helping parents, school personnel, and therapists work with these youth. Even when dealing with the very difficult and resistant group of youth with CD and ODD, optimism for improvement should always be maintained by the clinician.