Conduct Disorder is a behavioral and emotional disorder observed in children and adolescents. It is characterized by persistent patterns of disruptive and aggressive behavior that violates the rights of others or societal norms. These behaviors often lead to significant impairments in social, academic, and occupational functioning. Children and adolescents with Conduct Disorder may display a wide range of problematic behaviors, including aggression, deceitfulness, violation of rules, and destruction of property.

Symptoms of Conduct Disorder

Children and adolescents with Conduct Disorder may exhibit a range of problematic behaviors, including:

• Aggression towards people and animals

• Bullying or threatening others

• Destruction of property

• Deceitfulness, such as lying or stealing

• Violation of rules, like skipping school or running away from home

Examples of Behavior Associated with Conduct Disorder:

1. Aggression: This can manifest as physical fights, bullying, or using weapons. For example, a child with Conduct Disorder might frequently get into fights with peers or engage in physical altercations with family members.

2. Deceitfulness: Lying, shoplifting, or breaking into someone's house are examples of deceitful behaviors associated with Conduct Disorder. A child might lie about their whereabouts or engage in stealing without remorse.

3. Destruction of Property: This may involve deliberately setting fires or destroying property belonging to others. For instance, a child with Conduct Disorder might vandalize school property or intentionally damage the belongings of others.

4. Violation of Rules: This could include skipping school, running away from home overnight, or staying out past curfew without permission. A child might repeatedly violate rules and engage in behavior that puts themselves or others at risk.

These examples illustrate the disruptive and harmful nature of the behaviors associated with Conduct Disorder. It's important to note that a diagnosis of Conduct Disorder is made when these behaviors occur frequently and significantly impair the child's social, academic, or occupational functioning.

Children and adolescents with Conduct Disorder often struggle to maintain healthy relationships, perform well in school, and may be at risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system. Early recognition and intervention are crucial to addressing the underlying issues and helping these young individuals develop more adaptive and prosocial behaviors.

Causes of Conduct Disorder

Several factors appear to contribute to this condition. According to studies, children and adolescents suffering from conduct disorder appeared to display a frontal lobe deficiency. This impairs their capacity to prepare, avoid danger, and learn from unfavorable events.

Furthermore, these characteristics appear to increase children's and teenagers' chance of developing conduct disorder:

• Having been abused, rejected by a parent, or neglected

• Being diagnosed with another psychological condition

• Biological parents have been diagnosed with ADHD, alcoholism, depression, bipolar illness, or schizophrenia

• Poor nutrition

• Living in poverty

• Maternal psychopathology

• Poor parenting or lack of parental participation

• Inconsistent, severe, or inadequate discipline

• Violence exposure

• Peer delinquency

• Having been physically, sexually, or emotionally abused

• A lack of proper parental or other adult supervision

Impact of Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder can have serious consequences for the child, their family, and society as a whole. It can lead to academic and social problems, substance abuse, and involvement in the criminal justice system. Early intervention is crucial to prevent these negative outcomes.

Diagnosis

Interventions for Conduct Disorder

Several interventions can be effective in addressing Conduct Disorder in children and adolescents:

• Parent Training: Teaching parents effective strategies for managing their child's behavior can improve family dynamics and reduce disruptive behaviors.

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps the child or adolescent identify and change their negative thought patterns and behaviors.

• Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to address symptoms such as aggression, impulsivity, or inattention.

• School-Based Interventions: Schools can implement programs to promote positive behavior and provide support for students with Conduct Disorder.

Seeking Help

If you suspect that your child or a child you know may have Conduct Disorder, it's important to seek help from mental health professionals. Early intervention and support can make a significant difference in the child's long-term well-being. A child mental health professional like a child psychologist, or a child psychiatrist generally acknowledges conduct disorders in children and adolescents by gathering a comprehensive report of the child's behavior, as well as any relevant psychological, biological, interpersonal, or cultural aspects noticed during a psychological evaluation with the child and their family or caregivers. A review of historical data, including school records, court/child welfare records, previous therapy records, and interviews with collaterals. Additional information can be gathered by observing the child's behavior and doing psychological tests.

Conclusion

Conduct Disorder can have a profound impact on children and adolescents, as well as their families and communities. By understanding the symptoms and interventions available, we can work towards providing the necessary support and resources to help these young individuals lead healthier and more positive lives. If you have concerns about a child or adolescent's behavior, reaching out to a mental health professional through online counseling with the top psychologists in India is a crucial first step in addressing Conduct Disorder.

Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach &  Ms. Swati Yadav, Counselling Psychologist

References:

https://www.talktoangel.com/blog/diagnosis-and-treatment-of-conduct-disorder