Personality Assessments for Conduct Disorder | Cadabams CDC
If your child is repeatedly breaking rules, showing aggression or disregarding others’ feelings, you are not alone—and you do not have to guess what is happening. Evidence-based personality assessments for conduct disorder give parents clear, objective data that guide therapy plans and school accommodations. Cadabams CDC has prepared this parent-friendly guide so you can understand the best tools, interpret scores and know exactly what to do next.
Quick Comparison: Best Conduct Disorder Tests
| Tool | Age Range | Format | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt Conduct Disorder Screen | 6–18 yrs | Free online quiz | ₹0 | 5 min | Quick home screening |
| Delinquent Activities Scale (DAS) | 10–18 yrs | 32-item questionnaire | ₹500–₹1,200 | 10 min | Measuring severity & age of onset |
| Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) | 1½–18 yrs | Parent + teacher forms | ₹2,000–₹4,000 | 15 min | Multi-informant, school report |
| Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD) | 6–17 yrs | Parent + teacher | ₹2,500–₹4,000 | 15 min | Psychopathy traits, callous-unemotional |
| DSM-5 Guided Clinical Interview | All ages | Structured interview | Part of consultation | 45–60 min | Diagnostic confirmation |
Which Assessment Fits Your Child’s Needs?
- Quick first look: Start with Vanderbilt.
- School documentation or legal requirements: CBCL.
- Suspected early psychopathy traits: APSD.
- Need exact DSM-5 criteria: DSM-5 Guided Clinical Interview.
Vanderbilt Conduct Disorder Screen (Free Online Quiz)
The Vanderbilt is a 6-item free online screening test that flags aggression, deceitfulness, and rule violations.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: No cost, instant results, mobile-friendly.
- Cons: Cannot diagnose; false positives possible if child had a bad week.
Who Should Use It
Parents who notice repeated defiance, bullying, or property destruction and want a first, low-stakes check.
How to Interpret Results
- Score 0–2: Low risk; monitor behavior.
- Score 3–4: Moderate risk; book a detailed assessment.
- Score 5–6: High risk; schedule clinical evaluation within 1 week.
Delinquent Activities Scale (DAS) – Research-Backed
What the DAS Measures
32 behaviors such as truancy, vandalism, substance use, and theft. Each item is rated for frequency and age of onset.
Age of Onset & Severity Indicators
- Early onset before 10: Stronger predictor of chronic conduct disorder.
- Severity score ≥20: Signals need for immediate multi-modal therapy (parent training + CBT + school plan).
Clinical Utility vs Home Use
- Home: Parents can complete online; results emailed.
- Clinical: Cadabams CDC psychologists add risk-analysis narrative for court or school use.
Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) – Multi-Informant
Parent & Teacher Forms
CBCL asks both parents and teachers to rate 118 problem behaviors on a 3-point scale. Two syndrome scales matter most for conduct disorder:
- Aggressive Behavior (fighting, cruelty).
- Rule-Breaking Behavior (lying, stealing, truancy).
Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD)
Psychopathy Traits in Youth
APSD detects callous-unemotional traits—lack of guilt, shallow emotions, narcissism—often missed by general personality assessments for conduct disorder.
Callous-Unemotional Subscale
A score ≥7 on the 10-item subscale predicts poor response to standard punishment-based discipline and indicates need for reward-oriented behavioral plans.
When to Choose APSD Over General CD Tests
If your child shows limited empathy, frequent lying without remorse, or animal cruelty, APSD provides deeper insight before therapy begins.
DSM-5 Guided Clinical Interview
15 Symptom Criteria Walk-Through
A trained clinician at Cadabams CDC reviews the 15 DSM-5 criteria for conduct disorder, grouping them into:
- Aggression to people & animals.
- Destruction of property.
- Deceitfulness or theft.
- Serious violations of rules.
Onset Duration & Impairment Check
Symptoms must be present for ≥12 months, with ≥1 in the past 6 months, and cause significant impairment in school, home, or social life.
Integration with Other Assessments
Results are cross-checked with CBCL or APSD scores to ensure accuracy before a diagnosis is finalized.
How to Choose the Right Assessment
Age & Developmental Level
- Under 6: Rely on clinician observation, parent interview; questionnaires are less valid.
- 6–11: Vanderbilt + CBCL.
- 12–18: Add APSD or DAS for severity.
Home vs School vs Clinical Setting
- Home: Vanderbilt, DAS.
- School: CBCL teacher form for IEP meetings.
- Clinical: DSM-5 interview, APSD.
Insurance & Report Requirements
Most Indian insurers reimburse CBCL and DSM-5 interviews if prescribed by a licensed psychologist. Ask Cadabams CDC for cashless paperwork.
What Happens After the Test?
Understanding Scores & Risk Levels
- Mild: Parent training groups (e.g., Incredible Years).
- Moderate: Parent training + individual CBT.
- Severe: Multi-modal plan, possible residential program.
Next Steps: Therapy Plans & Parent Training
Cadabams CDC offers:
- Parent Management Training (PMT): 12-session program proven to reduce rule-breaking by 30–50%.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Teaches problem-solving, anger management.
- School liaison: Help with behavior support plans.
Follow-Up Reassessment Timeline
Re-evaluate every 6 months with CBCL or APSD to track progress and adjust interventions.