Conduct Disorder is a mental health condition in children and adolescents characterized by persistent, disruptive, and antisocial behaviors that breach societal norms and infringe upon others’ rights. Children with conduct disorder may display aggression, defiance, and a disregard for rules, often leading to difficulties in school, home, and community settings. It’s estimated that about 3% of school-aged children have conduct disorder, with boys being affected more frequently than girls. Early identification and professional intervention are critical to manage and treat conduct disorder effectively.
Signs and Symptoms of Conduct Disorders
- Aggression: Includes bullying, threatening, or intimidating others; initiating physical fights; using weapons; and physical abuse toward people or animals.
- Property Destruction: Engaging in intentional acts such as setting fires or damaging property.
- Theft: Involves lying or breaking in to steal, shoplifting, or other forms of stealing.
- Serious Rule Violations: Running away, staying out late without permission before age 13, and truancy from school.
Types of Conduct Disorders
Conduct disorder is divided into three subtypes based on the onset age of symptoms:
- Childhood-Onset: Symptoms appear before age 10.
- Adolescent-Onset: Symptoms begin during adolescence.
- Unspecified-Onset: The specific age when symptoms first appeared is unknown.
Causes of Conduct Disorders
The causes of conduct disorder are complex and involve a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors:
- Brain Abnormalities: Imaging studies suggest possible abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex, which affects judgment, and the limbic system, which influences emotions.
- Genetics: Research indicates a hereditary component in antisocial behavior, though specific genetic factors remain unclear.
- Social Factors: Poverty, chaotic communities, poor schooling, family instability, parental mental health issues, and lack of supervision are all strongly associated with conduct disorder.
Treatment of Conduct Disorders
Treatment approaches vary depending on the child’s age and the severity of symptoms:
- Family Therapy: Engages family members in therapy to improve communication and strengthen family dynamics.
- Medication: While no specific medication treats conduct disorder, certain medications may help manage symptoms or treat co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Parental Training: Parents and caregivers are often involved in learning behavior management techniques to handle aggression or other challenging behaviors effectively.
Effective management of conduct disorder often requires a comprehensive approach that involves both the child and their family, aiming to improve social skills, emotional regulation, and family relationships.