Conduct Disorder Therapy
Conduct Disorder Therapy and what exactly is it? This disorder is known to be the act of very repetitive and extremely persistent patterns or behaviors displayed by a child or teen. Others rights or the social rules get violated. A child will display these certain behaviors in multiple settings (home, social situations, school, etc). It causes a significant amount of impairment in their social, family and academic functioning.
Signs and Associated Symptoms Related to Conduct Disorder
Behavioral characteristics:
- Behavior that is aggressive and threatens to harm others and/or animals. Examples would be bullying and threatening others, intimidating others with fighting, intentionally harmful and cruel to innocent animals.
- Any non-aggressive acts of conduct that cause property loss and/or damage (fire-setting and/or deliberate destruction to others’ property).
- Acts of deceitfulness and/or theft, (breaking into homes or cars, lying and conning other people).
- Serious acts of rule violation, (staying out during the night, running away, truancy at school).
Many of our children and youth that display conduct disorder have trouble and find it difficult to express empathy and lack remorse. They have a hard time picking up on social cues. The child tends to misinterpret actions of other people and becomes very hostile and aggressive. They escalate situations into major conflicts. Conduct disorder is linked to substance abuse and use, increased problems at school, ongoing physical harm and injury due to fights.
Conduct Disorder Therapy
Is It Common?
This disorder is more frequent with boys rather than girls. Studies indicate for boys the range is 6%-16% and for girls 2%-9%. The onset for conduct disorder is before age 10. You will detect difficulties in your child early on. They will have trouble getting along with peers and struggle in the department of academics. This disorder is commonly diagnosed in a mental health setting.
Conduct disorder is often co-occurring along side Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and certain Mood Disorders (depression, substance abuse, anxiety).
Conduct Disorder Therapy
Assessment and Treatment
Assessment needs to be done by a professional licensed mental health counselor, psychiatrist or psychologist. Choose a clinician trained in specializing with children. You will want someone who has a good reputation and history of understanding child behavior and conduct.
Assessment will involve:
- Consulting with the parents and family members.
- Observation of the child.
- Standard test and instruments to aid in ruling out other mental health diagnoses.
- Interviewing the child and family members.
- A complete history on all family members.
The environment and social/economic background needs to be a consideration. Implementing accurate and appropriate assessment and individualized therapy is vital. Your child can be well equipped to reach the normal developmental milestones that children meet. They will and can make a smooth transition into adulthood.
Seek Help Today
- Learn and stay educated about conduct disorder. Be up to date on the recent research being conducted and the most effective approaches in treatment.
NMHA is a great resource and help. - Consult and get help by contacting a professional in your area.
- Explore all options well. Treatment needs to meet the needs of the individual child.
- Find support in the area. A support group for families in your area is helpful.
