What are Conduct Disorders?Conduct disorder refers to a group of behavioral and emotional problems characterized by a disregard for others. Children with conduct disorder have a difficult time following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable way. Their behavior can be hostile and sometimes physically violent. Show
In their earlier years, they may show early signs of aggression, including pushing, hitting and biting others. Adolescents and teens with conduct disorder may move into more serious behaviors, including bullying, hurting animals, picking fights, theft, vandalism and arson. Children with conduct disorder can be found across all races, cultures and socioeconomic groups. They often have other mental health issues as well that may contribute to the development of the conduct disorder. The disorder is more prevalent in boys than girls. What Symptoms Should Parents Look for?There are four basic types of behavior that characterize conduct disorder:
Conduct disorder is characterized by aggression toward others and a callous disregard for their rights and needs. Adolescents and teens with conduct disorder can find acts of aggression, deceit and coercion to be gratifying. Your child may meet the criteria for conduct disorder if you find them engaging in several of the below behaviors:
Many young people with conduct disorder will have trouble:
They often misinterpret the actions of others as being hostile or aggressive. They respond by escalating the situation into verbal or physical conflict. In adolescents and teens, conduct disorder may be associated with other difficulties, including:
In younger children, it can be more of a challenge to distinguish signs of conduct disorder from more typical “acting out". At times, these same symptoms can be seen in children without the disorder. The difference is frequency, intensity, and duration, as well as to what extent it impacts their functioning. In children with conduct disorder, these behaviors happen much more frequently. What Causes Conduct Disorder in Children?Many factors seem to contribute to this disorder. Research has found that children and teens with conduct disorder seem to have an impairment in the frontal lobe of the brain. This interferes with their ability to plan, avoid harm, and learn from negative experiences. In addition, these factors seem to put children and teens at a higher risk to develop conduct disorder:
How is Conduct Disorder Diagnosed and Treated?A child psychiatrist, psychologist, or other qualified mental health professional usually diagnoses conduct disorders in children and teens by completing:
Treatment can be complex and challenging. And it can last for several months. Children with conduct disorder tend to be uncooperative with others. They often fear and distrust adults. And adding to the complication is the fact that conduct disorder is often (but not always) diagnosed along with a number of other psychological conditions. Treatment for conduct disorder may include:
Conduct disorder can be difficult to overcome. But it is manageable. The earlier the treatment is started after symptoms appear, the more successful it is likely to be. As with many psychiatric disorders, early intervention is key. What is most commonly associated with conduct disorder?In their earlier years, they may show early signs of aggression, including pushing, hitting and biting others. Adolescents and teens with conduct disorder may move into more serious behaviors, including bullying, hurting animals, picking fights, theft, vandalism and arson.
Which would be a finding in a child who has a conduct disorder?Be irresponsible. Skip school or run away (delinquent behavior) Steal or do other things to violate the rights of others. Physically harm animals or other people, such as committing assault or rape.
What is associated with conduct disorder?Environmental: Factors such as a dysfunctional family life, childhood abuse, traumatic experiences, a family history of substance abuse, and inconsistent discipline by parents may contribute to the development of conduct disorder.
How is a child diagnosed with conduct disorder?Conduct Disorder (CD) is diagnosed when children show an ongoing pattern of aggression toward others, and serious violations of rules and social norms at home, in school, and with peers. These rule violations may involve breaking the law and result in arrest.
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