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Conduct Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Children with conduct disorder repeatedly violate the personal or property rights of others and the basic expectations of society. A diagnosis of conduct disorder is likely if the behavior continues for a period of six months or longer. Because of the impact conduct disorder has on the child and his or her family, neighbors, and adjustment at school, conduct disorder is known as a disruptive behavior disorder.

What are the Signs of Conduct Disorder?

Some symptoms of conduct disorder include:

• aggressive behavior that harms or threatens to harm other people or animals;
• destructive behavior that damages or destroys property;
• lying or theft; and
• skipping school or other serious violations of rules.

Children with conduct disorder may have other problems as well including:

·         hyperactivity

·         anxiety

·         depression

·         academic difficulties

·         problems with peer relationships

What Help is Available for Families?

Conduct disorder is one of the most difficult behavior disorders of childhood and adolescence to treat successfully. However, young people with conduct disorder often benefit from a range of services, which might include:

• Parent training on how to handle their child's or adolescents behavior;
• Family therapy;
• Training in problem-solving skills for children or adolescents; and
• Community-based services that focus on the young person within the context of family and community influences.

What Can Parents Do?

Serious behavior problems in children and adolescents is very hard to change after it has become ingrained. Therefore, the earlier the problem is identified and treated, the better. Some recent studies have focused on promising ways to prevent conduct disorder among children and adolescents who are at risk for developing the disorder. Most children or adolescents with conduct disorder are probably reacting to events and situations in their lives. More research is needed to determine if biology is a factor in conduct disorder. Parents should:

• Pay close attention when a child or adolescent shows signs of conduct disorder and try to understand the reasons behind it. Then parents can try to improve the situation or their own reactions.
• Talk with a mental health or social service professional, such as a teacher, counselor, psychiatrist, or psychologist specializing in childhood or adolescent disorders (if parents cannot reduce their child's or adolescent's antisocial behavior on their own).
• Get accurate information from libraries, hotlines, or other sources.
• Talk to other families in their community.
• Find family network organizations, such as the alliance for the mentally ill.

Conduct Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Reference: National Mental Health Association  - *Licensure granted to re-print above information obtained from the National Mental Health Association on 1/29/03.

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Child Behavior

Bipolar Disorder in Children

Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Child Anger

Depression in Children and Adolescents

ADHD

Conduct Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

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