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Conduct disorder is a disorder of childhood and adolescence that involves chronic behavior problems, such as:
- Defiant, impulsive, or antisocial behavior
- Drug use
- Criminal activity
Conduct disorder has been associated with:
- Child abuse
- Family conflicts
- Genetic defects
- Parental drug addiction or Alcoholism
- Poverty
The diagnosis is more common among boys.
It is hard to know how common the disorder is, because many of the qualities necessary to make the diagnosis (such as "defiance" and "rule breaking") can be hard to define. For an accurate diagnosis, the behavior must be far more extreme than simple adolescent rebellion or boyish exuberance.
Conduct disorder is often associated with attention-deficit disorder. Both conditions carry a major risk for alcohol and/or other drug dependence.
Conduct disorder also can be an early sign of depression or bipolar disorder.
Children with conduct disorder tend to be impulsive, difficult to control, and unconcerned about the feelings of others.
Symptoms- Antisocial behaviors, such as bullying and fighting
- Breaking rules without apparent reason
- Cruel or aggressive behavior toward people and animals (fights, using dangerous weapons, forced sexual activity, mugging, or purse snatching)
- Destruction of property (deliberately setting fires, breaking and entering, destroying other people's property)
- Heavy drinking and/or heavy illicit drug use
- Lying to get a favor or avoid obligations
- Running away
- Truancy (beginning before age 13)
- Vandalism
Some of the common signs of conduct disorder are:
- Bullying
- Fighting
- Staying out at night without concern for curfew or other limits
These children often make no effort to hide their aggressive behaviors and have difficulty making close friends. The diagnosis is made based on a history of these kinds of behaviors.
TreatmentSuccessful treatment requires close involvement of the child's family. Parents can learn techniques to help manage their child's problem behavior.
In cases of abuse, the child may need to be removed from the family and placed in a less chaotic environment. Treatment with medications or talk therapy may be used for depression and attention-deficit disorder, which commonly accompany conduct disorder.
Many "behavioral modification" schools, "wilderness programs," and "boot camps" are sold to parents as solutions for conduct disorder. These may use a form of "attack therapy" or "confrontation," which can actually be harmful. There is no research support for such techniques. Research suggests that treating children at home, along with their families, is more effective.
If you are considering an inpatient program, be sure to check it out thoroughly. Serious injuries and deaths have been associated with some programs. They are not regulated in many states.
Expectations (prognosis)Children who have severe or frequent symptoms tend to have the poorest outlook. Expectations are also worse for those who have other illnesses, such as mood and drug abuse disorders.
ComplicationsChildren with conduct disorder may go on to develop personality disorders as adults, particularly antisocial personality disorder. As their behaviors worsen, these individuals may also develop significant drug and legal problems. Depression and Bipolar disorder may develop in adolescence and early adulthood.
Calling your health care providerSee your health care provider if your child:
- Continually gets in trouble
- Has mood swings
- Is bullying others
- Is being victimized
- Seems to be overly aggressive
Early treatment may help.
PreventionThe sooner the treatment for conduct disorder is started, the more likely the child will learn adaptive behaviors and prevent some of the potential complications.
ReferencesConduct disorder. In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2004:chap 24.
Thomas CR. Evidence-based practice for conduct disorder symptoms. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2006;45:109-114.
Whittinger NS. Clinical precursors of adolescent conduct disorder in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007;46:179-187.
What else can I help you with?
What are the symptoms of conduct disorder?
There are different symptoms of conduct disorder. These symptoms include but are not limited to: aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, and deceitfulness or theft. People with conduct disorder are often believed to be superficially charming and glib. It is believed that they cognitively understand people's feelings but do not actually feel them---i.e., they lack empathy.
What disorder is more common in males than females and shows up in social behaviors such as lying theft violence aggression and vandalism?
Conduct disorder is more common in males than females and is characterized by a pattern of antisocial behaviors like lying, theft, violence, aggression, and vandalism. This disorder typically appears in childhood or adolescence and can have serious negative consequences if left untreated.
Alexis is socially withdrawn and has few close friends This behavior is most likely to be diagnosed as a symptom of psychological disorder if it is?
persistent and significantly impacts Alexis' daily functioning or quality of life. A mental health professional would need to conduct an assessment to determine if the behavior meets the criteria for a specific disorder, such as social anxiety disorder or avoidant personality disorder.
Tad was diagnosed with a conduct disorder as a child and has repeatedly been involved in aggressive and violent behavior Tim has a history of fighting with students who tease him about his learning d?
Tad's behavior may be attributed to his conduct disorder diagnosis, which can lead to difficulties in controlling impulses and emotions. Tim's fighting can be a response to feeling threatened or provoked by teasing, and could be a form of self-defense or retaliation. Both individuals may benefit from therapy to address underlying issues and learn healthier coping strategies.
How many mental disorders are there?
There are many disorders (Here are some I can name): Anorexia- Where the person starves themselves. Bulimia- Consuming large amounts of food and throwing it up. Binge eating disorder- Eating a lot without throwing up. Conduct disorders- Where the rights of others are violated, which means that people with this disorder would lie, mistreat other property, and be violent along with other symptoms and such. Schizophrenia- The person has no contact with reality and can't tell the difference between real and fake events. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)- Don't feel like giving a definition. Then there are Anxiety Disorders:Phobias Obsessive-compulsive disorder Panic disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder There are also Mood Disorders: Clinical depression Bipolar disorder And last but not least there are Personality Disorders: Antisocial personality disorder Borderline personality disorder Passive-aggressive personality disorder Avoidant Personality Disorder Dependent Personality Disorder Histrionic Personality Disorder Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Is conduct disorder a lifelong disorder?
It can be, but not always.
How does early-onset conduct disorder compare to adolescent-onset conduct disorder?
is more likely to be outgrown.
Are conduct disorders and behavioral disorders the same?
Conduct Disorder is a serious behavior disorder. It is a step beyond Oppositional Defiance Disorder which, itself, is a serious behavioral disorder. These two disorders are usually used to describe those 18 and under. Conduct Disorder needs psychiatric attention, cognitive behavioral therapy (seeing a therapist), and probably medication to prevent severe misbehaviors for the benefit of the patient and society. Prevention is key as many in prison have a history of Conduct Disorder.
What is disorderly conduct?
To cause disorder in public places
What are some questions regarding conduct disorder?
The main question is what causes conduct disorder: The answer is, unfortunately, there is no definitive answer, it might be genetic, it might be related to the social-economic factors.
What part of the brain does Conduct Disorder affect?
Conduct Disorder primarily affects the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is involved in decision-making, impulse control, and judgment. This disorder can lead to difficulties in regulating behavior, emotions, and social interactions.
In what families is oppositional defiant disorder more common?
in families where at least one parent has a history of a mood disorder, conduct disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or a substance-related disorder
Does bipolar disorder make you rage?
Sometimes it can, because it does have a tendency to have a high irritability rate. So can other diseases like conduct disorder, borderline personality disorder (BDP), narcissistic personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, or psychosis.
What disorder can kidneys have?
These can range from social disorders, along to drunk and disorderly conduct.
What behabviors are associated with TS?
Behavioral abnormalities that may be associated with TS include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and disruptive behaviors, including conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.
Did ben Carson have conduct disorder?
There is no public evidence or credible information to suggest that Ben Carson, the former neurosurgeon and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, had conduct disorder. In fact, Carson has often spoken about his challenging childhood, including his struggles with anger and academic difficulties, but he eventually overcame these challenges to achieve significant success. His life story emphasizes resilience and positive transformation rather than a diagnosis of conduct disorder.
What are the symptoms of conduct disorder?
There are different symptoms of conduct disorder. These symptoms include but are not limited to: aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, and deceitfulness or theft. People with conduct disorder are often believed to be superficially charming and glib. It is believed that they cognitively understand people's feelings but do not actually feel them---i.e., they lack empathy.
