Conduct Disorder

"Conduct disorder" refers to a group of behavioral and emotional problems in youngsters. Children and adolescents with this disorder have great difficulty following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable manner. There is a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated. Adding to the challenge are the child's uncooperative attitude and fear and distrust of adults.

Many children with a conduct disorder may have coexisting conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, ADHD, learning problems, or thought disorders.

Signs and Symptoms

Aggression to people and animals

Often bullies, threatens, or intimidates others
Often initiates physical fights
Has used a weapon that can cause serious physical harm to others
Has been physically cruel to people
Has been physically cruel to animals
Has stolen while confronting a victim
Has forced someone into sexual activity

Destruction of Property

Has deliberately engaged in fire setting with the intention of causing serious damage
Has deliberately destroyed others' property

Deceitfulness or Theft

Has broken into someone else's house, building, or car
Often lies to obtain goods or favors or to avoid obligations
Has stolen items of nontrivial value without confronting a victim

Serious Violations of Rules

Often stays out at night despite parental prohibition, beginning before age 13
Has run away from home overnight at least twice while living in parental home
Is often truant from school, beginning before age 13

Treatment

Parents often need to devise and carry out special management and educational programs in the home and/or school. Behavior Modification intervention is very helpful. Therapies (both cognitive and dialectical), as well as art, dance, music, or equine therapies have been used successfully. Some children and adolescents need long-term therapeutic care in a Residential Treatment Center. Sometimes relaxation and stress reduction techniques are helpful.