What is conduct disorder?

Conduct disorder is a behavior disorder, sometimes diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by antisocial behaviors which violate the rights of others and age-appropriate social standards and rules. Antisocial behaviors may include irresponsibility, delinquent behaviors (such as truancy or running away), violating the rights of others (such as theft), and/or physical aggression toward others (such as assault or rape). These behaviors sometimes occur together, however, one or several may occur without the other(s).

What causes conduct disorder?

The conditions that contribute to the development of conduct disorder are considered to be multifactorial, with many factors (multifactorial) contributing to the cause. Neuropsychological testing has shown that children and adolescents with conduct disorders seem to have an impairment in the frontal lobe of the brain that interferes with their ability to plan, avoid harm, and learn from negative experiences. Childhood temperament is considered to have a genetic basis.

Children or adolescents who are considered to have a difficult temperament are more likely to develop behavior problems. Children or adolescents from disadvantaged, dysfunctional, and disorganized home environments are more likely to develop conduct disorders. Social problems and peer group rejection have been found to contribute to delinquency. Low socioeconomic status has been associated with conduct disorders. Children and adolescents exhibiting delinquent and aggressive behaviors have distinctive cognitive and psychological profiles when compared to children with other Mental Health Disorders problems and control groups. All of the possible contributing factors influence how children and adolescents interact with other people.

Who is affected by conduct disorder?

Approximately 6 percent of children ages nine to 17 years old have conduct disorders. The disorder is more common in boys than in girls. Children and adolescents with conduct disorders often have other psychiatric problems as well that may be a contributing factor to the development of the conduct disorder. The prevalence of conduct disorders has increased over recent decades. Aggressive behavior is the reason for one-third to one-half of the referrals made to child and adolescent Mental Health Disorders services.

What are the symptoms of conduct disorder? Most symptoms seen in children with conduct disorder also occur at times in children without this disorder. However, in children with conduct disorder, these symptoms occur more frequently and interfere with learning, school adjustment, and, sometimes, with the child’s relationships with others.

The following are the most common symptoms of conduct disorder. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. The four main groups of behaviors include the following:

Aggressive conduct

Aggressive conduct causes or threatens physical harm to others and may include the following:

  • intimidating behavior
  • bullying
  • physical fights
  • cruelty to others or animals
  • use of a weapon(s)
  • forcing someone into sexual activity, rape, molestation

Destructive conduct

Destructive conduct may include the following:

  • vandalism
  • intentional destruction to property
  • arson

Deceitfulness

Deceitful behavior may include the following:

  • lying
  • theft
  • shoplifting
  • delinquency

Violation of rules

Violation of ordinary rules of conduct or age-appropriate norms may include the following:

  • truancy (failure to attend school)
  • running away
  • pranks
  • mischief
  • very early sexual activity

The symptoms of conduct disorder may resemble other medical conditions or behavioral problems. Always consult your child’s (adolescent’s) physician for a diagnosis.

How is conduct disorder diagnosed?

A child psychiatrist or a qualified mental health professional usually diagnoses conduct disorders in children and adolescents. A detailed history of the child’s behavior from parents and teachers, observations of the child’s behavior, and, sometimes, psychological testing contribute to the diagnosis. Parents who note symptoms of conduct disorder in their child or teen can help by seeking an evaluation and treatment early. Early treatment can often prevent future problems. Further, conduct disorder often coexists with other mental health disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disorders, increasing the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Always consult your child’s (adolescent’s) physician for more information.

Treatment for conduct disorder:

Specific treatment for children with conduct disorders will be determined by your child’s (adolescent’s) physician based on:
your child’s (adolescent’s) age, overall health, and medical history extent of your child’s (adolescent’s) symptoms your child’s (adolescent’s) tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies expectations for the course of the condition your opinion or preference Treatment may include:

Cognitive-behavioral approaches

The goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy is to improve problem solving skills, communication skills, impulse control, and anger management skills.

Family therapy is often focused on making changes within the family system, such as improving communication skills and family interactions. peer group therapy

Peer group therapy is often focused on developing social skills and interpersonal skills medication.

While not considered effective in treating conduct disorder, medication may be used if other symptoms or disorders are present and responsive to medication.

Prevention of conduct disorder in childhood: Some experts believe that a developmental sequence of experiences occurs in the development of conduct disorder. This sequence may start with ineffective parenting practices, followed by academic failure, and poor peer interactions. These experiences then often lead to depressed mood and involvement in a deviant peer group. Other experts, however, believe that many factors, including child abuse, genetic susceptibility, history of academic failure, brain damage, and/or a traumatic experience influence the expression of conduct disorder. Early detection and intervention into negative family and social experiences may be helpful in disrupting the development of the sequence of experiences that lead to more disruptive and aggressive behaviors.

Behaviors and Disorders

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You have questions... We have answers
  • Q: I read on the website that these schools offer family therapy, but how does that happen when the school is so far away?
    A:

    You will participate in the family therapy by phone, and when you come for your family visits, you will then do face to face family therapy.

  • Q: Why are most of these programs in Utah?
    A:

    The original Residential Treatment Center was opened in Utah, and they have been improving their system ever since. There is an entire state agency devoted to overseeing and regulating these programs. The other reason is that in Utah, the legal age is 18, so you can force your child to get treatment until they are 18. Legal age varies by state but there are an increasingly high number of states where the legal age is 17 even if you are still financially and physically responsible for them until they are 18.

    As long as your child is under the age of 18 and you have custody of your child, then your child does not have to go willingly. You can force them to go against their will for their benefit.

  • Q: If my child won't go willingly, how do I get them there?
    A:

    There are teen transport companies we contract with that are highly trained and they will come to your home and pick up your child. There job is to escort your child there safely! This takes away the worry and the fighting. There is an additional fee for this service.

  • Q: Does insurance cover the cost of treatment or boarding?
    A:

    Insurance plans vary so much that there is not a solid answer. You can find out what your coverage is by calling them directly and asking about your in-patient mental health benefits. In order for coverage, it has to be medically necessary, based on diagnosis and most insurance companies require a pre-authorization.