Conduct disorder along with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is one of the most common mental health disorders diagnosed among children throughout the world. As of 2013, it is estimated that conduct disorder affects 51.1 million people globally.
Conduct disorder is a developmental disorder that affects children and adolescents. It is considered a disruptive behavioral condition that involves a person being cruel and violent to others, including pets and destruction to property. Conduct disorder is characterized by displaying established disruptive behavior patterns that go outside the normal age appropriate norms. The behaviors are typically more violent and cruel in nature, showing a lack of empathy. They become more frequent and repetitive leading to difficulties in school and at home. These behaviors are often referred to as anti social in that they violate the basic rights of others within the age appropriate norms of society.
Conduct disorder can be a precursor to antisocial personality disorder. Which is not diagnosed until the age of 18 years old.
Conduct disorder can be brought about by parental rejection and neglect.
Statistics show about conduct disorder :
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That 1 out of 4 children with ADHD is at greater risk of developing conduct disorder
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Conduct disorder is more common in boys than girls
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Conduct disorder can affect children before the ages of 10 or in the teen years
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45% of ADHD teenagers show signs of conduct disorder
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some research show that 90% of children diagnosed with conduct disorder were previously diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder.
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25% of children diagnosed with (ODD) will later receive a conduct disorder diagnosis.
Common Symptoms
Some of the first signs of conduct disorder in young children include biting and hitting when they don’t get their way.
As they age, children and later teenagers, may show emotional symptoms that evolve into fighting, lying, property damage, stealing and other destructive behaviors that lead to breaking the law and aggressive behavior.
Those with conduct disorder will not understand normal social cues and misinterpret someone’s response to their behavior as being more hostile than it is which can lead to more aggressive behavior.
One of the most common characteristics of conduct disorder is any aggression that becomes more frequent that falls outside the realm of normal age appropriate behavior for that child.
Those with conduct disorder won’t respect societal rules of conduct. They won’t accept the standards that apply to taking into consideration of others feelings and are driven by the need to dominate through intimidation and aggression. They often lack the fear of getting caught or facing consequences for their actions.
Those with conduct disorder can demonstrate behaviors that include:
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vandalism
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bullying
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stealing and fighting
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manipulative behaviors
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deceitfulness
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lying
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running away
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getting kicked out of school
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being disruptive in class and at home
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being cruel to others and animals
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breaking the rules at school and at home
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use of weapons to intimidate others
Conduct disorder can be a part on other mental health conditions like:
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ADHD
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anxiety
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depression
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bipolar disorder
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oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
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substance abuse behaviors
Children with conduct disorder can display emotional signs by having:
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a lack of empathy towards others feeling by appearing uncaring and cold
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a lower need for emotional expression that they can turn on and off when they want. Their emotional responses can be used to manipulate others.
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a lack of remorse for hurting others or breaking the rules. Showing no guilt or indifference to being disciplined for breaking the rules.
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a substandard feeling for rising to the occasion in completing work in school or at home. They can disregard others expectations of them.
Causes
Research suggests that scientists agree that a combination of environmental and genetic factors contribute to conduct disorder.
A child has an increased risk of conduct disorder when one parent or caregiver has been diagnosed with alcohol addition, a personality disorder, depression or schizophrenia.
Children who have been abused or neglected by an adult or parent will increase the odds of developing conduct disorder.
Research suggests that children with ADHD and conduct disorder display a lack of ability to demonstrate control of gestures and words to express themselves because of neurological factors.
Living in a low income family can bring about stress, emotional and economic instability that can increase the risk of developing conduct disorder.
Disadvantaged families have shown to lack the skills needed to observe and recognize the early symptoms to implement intervention. That can bring about the needed care after a proper diagnosis. Having a caregiver training program in place can be a good preventative thing to do.
Treatment
Conduct disorder seems to develop hand in hand with other mental health conditions like ADHD. When treatment is centered around all contributing variables a child may be suffering, the long-term outcomes are much improved.
Training the parents or caregivers of those who’s child deals with conduct disorder has much research to back up the long-term effectiveness. Parents need to learn how to best diffuse with the disruptive conduct by drawing the rules and limits clearly and to discourage the bad behavior and to encourage positive changes to occur.
Oftentimes a youths conduct disorder behavior will not be seen as a mental health condition but, more of a juvenile delinquent one that requires disciplinary action. This approach usually is not an appropriate one that leads to the best results.
Instead, having an overall approach, which takes into consideration all of the emotional and behavioral factors will have a better long-term outcome. These include addressing all the aspects of an individuals life that is affecting school, home and social relationships.
Getting early treatment for conduct disorder is key to having a greater chance of success. A standard approach is to implement cognitive behavioral modification treatment, neurofeedback therapy, family therapy and any comprehensive methods that involve school and home interventions.
If conduct disorder continues into the adult years it can become a real problem in having a meaningful relationship or keeping a job. It can lead to criminal and dangerous behavior or adult antisocial personality disorder (ASPD).
To be properly diagnosed with conduct disorder takes a series of steps including:
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family interview
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observation of the child along with an interview
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taking a standardized test
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evaluating a complete medical and social history of the family and child
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considering the child’s behavior from a socio-economic point of view
Temporary episodes of misconduct and disruptive behavior is normal for most children. Having tantrums and outbursts is a quite appropriate age related fact of growing up. When it becomes chronic and persists beyond a degree of normalcy is when intervention is suggested.
Moving Forward
Research shows that long -term results improve when parents or caregivers are involved with a parent behavioral based training program. Many young people with conduct disorder will grow up to lead satisfying and fulfilling lives when early intervention takes place.
One study showed that the parents involved training programs, resulted in 63% small improvements in the child’s behavior, 54% large improvements, and 39% demonstrated very large improvements.
– A Balanced Brain is a Better Brain-