Conduct Disorder

WHAT IS CONDUCT DISORDER?

Conduct Disorder is the term used to describe a pattern of repetitive behaviour where the rights of others or the current social norms are violated. Conduct disorder is a major public health problem because youths with conduct disorder not only inflict serious physical and psychological harm on others, but they are at a greatly increased risk for incarceration, injury, depression and substance abuse. After the age of 18 a conduct disorder may develop into antisocial personality disorder.

At one time or another most children and adolescents act out or do things that are destructive or troublesome for themselves or others. Only if this persists or continues to occur is it diagnosed by psychiatrists as conduct disorder. Conduct Disorder is much more common in boys than girls.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CONDUCT DISORDER?

A pattern of repetitive behaviour as manifested by the presence of three (or more) of the following symptoms in the past 12 months with at least one present in the past 6 months:

• Aggression to people and animals: bullies, threatens or intimidates others; initiates physical fights; has been physically cruel to people or animals.
• Destruction of property: deliberately engaged in fire setting with the intention of causing serious damage; has deliberately destroyed others' property.
• Deceitfulness or theft: broken into someone else's house, building or car; lies to obtain goods or favours; stolen items of nontrivial value without confronting a victim
• Serious violation of rules: often stays out at night despite parental prohibitions (beginning before age 13); has run away from home overnight at least twice; is often truant at school (beginning before age 13)

HOW IS CONDUCT DISORDER TREATED?

The method of treatment selected for a child with Conduct Disorder will be determined by the child's age, symptoms, and tolerance for medications and/or therapies. The main approaches to treatment include cognitive behavioural therapy which helps to improve a child's problem-solving, communication, impulse control and anger management skills, family therapy/counselling and possibly medication to treat the symptoms of the disorder.

It is very important for a child diagnosed with Conduct Disorder to have a supportive family and home environment. Not only is this important for following whatever treatment programme is devised, but it helps the child realise that they are still loved and appreciated despite their behaviours. Notifying teachers of a diagnosis of Conduct Disorder is also important as it will help the child feel supported at school.

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Although the information we have provided here is meant to be helpful to you, Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy or reliance placed upon it. If you have any concerns about your child, you should seek professional educational or healthcare advice as soon as possible.