Juveniles who commit crimes are likely to exhibit conduct problems in their youth. Persistent and long-term antisocial behavior can be seen in very young children. To treat these children, programs must be designed to meet the needs of them on an individualized basis. Residential treatment, typically, is the answer, but research has shown its ineffectiveness. Longitudinal studies and meta-analyses have shown cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to be effective. Mode deactivation therapy (MDT) is a form of CBT based on the theory of a network of cognitive, affective, motivational, and behavioral components that create a personality – “modes.” Modes are activated and create emotional dysregulation and behavioral disorders. In MDT,
using a manualized treatment, the therapist reduces symptoms of behavior disorder, physical and sexual aggression, anxiety, and traumatic stress while keeping the juvenile offenders out
of long-term, out-of-home placements.