Please don’t read this and think just because your child or teen acts up that they have conduct disorder. Conduct disorder should only be formally diagnosed by qualified professionals. This blog is for informational purposes only if you have had a formal diagnosis or are just curious about different conditions. It is only a starting point and should never replace any advice you receive from your doctor or consultant.

What Is Conduct Disorder?

Children and teens can seem to push things as they grow. But this is a normal part of learning and growing. Conduct disorder on the other hand refers to a group of repetitive and persistent behavioural and emotional problems that a child may present.

This may present itself as a pattern of violent and disruptive behaviours and problems with following rules. The child can have difficulty respecting the rights of others and issues with showing empathy. The child’s behaviour has to be a long lasting pattern of behaviour to be considered conduct disorder.

What Are the Symptoms of Conduct Disorder?

Conduct disorder symptoms will vary from mild to severe and will also depend on the child’s age. The child generally will be unable to understand how their behaviour impacts others. They also have little guilt or remorse at what they have done. The symptoms can be categorized into the following:

1. Aggression to people and animals including: bullying, threats or intimidation, using weapons, etc. They also show no remorse after the aggressive episode.
2. The deliberate destruction of other people’s property, arson or vandalism.
3. Lying, stealing and deceitfulness including breaking into other people’s homes and cars. Shoplifting or lying to obtain items.
4. Staying out after curfews set by parents, running away from home, and violating other rules at home or society.

Other symptoms and co-conditions that may be present.

1. Temper tantrums, irritability.
2. Low self-esteem.
3. Alcohol and drug abuse.
4. Mood disorders.
5. Anxiety
6. Depression.
7. PTSD.
8. Learning disabilities.
9. Difficulty with attention.
10. Impulsive issues.

Subtypes of conduct disorder.

1. Childhood-onset: the symptoms started before the age of 10.
2. Adolescent-onset: the symptoms began during the teen years (13-18).
3. Unspecified-onset: unclear as to when the symptoms began.

Some children may have presented with oppositional defiant disorder before going on to develop conduct disorder.

What Causes Conduct Disorder?

NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has published some figures related to conduct disorder. The disorder is more common in boys (7%) than girls (3%). The exact cause is unknown but we believe that it is related to a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological and social factors.

But please remember all children misbehave and act out at times. Behaviours must be persistent and meet the criteria as laid down in the DSM-5. Plus the diagnosis must be made by a qualified professional. If you have any concerns then speak to your child’s doctor first.

How Is Conduct Disorder Diagnosed?

The DSM-5 states that more than four behaviours should be present for at least 12 months. Plus one or more behaviours as laid out in the DSM-5 should be present in the last 6 months.

Your child’s doctor will start with ruling out any other causes for the symptoms. If they cannot find any physical causes then they will refer you on to a child psychiatrist or psychologist. Just like adults all mental health illnesses are diagnosed based on the symptoms present by the child.

The psychiatrist, or psychologist, will run a series of interviews, observations and assessments to formally diagnosis your child’s condition. They will also seek your opinion and ask family history and medical issues related to your child. They may also seek reports from your child’s school, plus other adults or services your child has had contact with.

The Impact Of Conduct Disorder.

The impact to the child and parent can be great. This condition impairs the child or teen’s ability to function on a daily basis. These difficulties can include:

1. Education: Frequent misbehavior and skipping school can lead to constant discipline and possible school expulsion. There is also a high risk of becoming an early school leaver.
2. Legal problems: Teens are more likely to have frequent contact with the law. With violent behaviour, stealing, vandalism or substance abuse being an issue. They are more likely to have criminal records from a young age.
3. Relationship issues: Children and teenagers with conduct disorder will struggle to develop and maintain friendships and relationships with family.

How Is Conduct Disorder Treated?

Treatment for conduct disorder can be complex. But treatment will always take a number of factors into consideration including other co-existing conditions and the child’s age.

Treatment though usually includes a combination of supports and therapies. These will include psychotherapy, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), anger management and family therapy with a child psychologist.

Treatment may also include medication for any co-existing conditions. Help in school may also be needed for any learning disabilities diagnosed. Parents will also need therapy and support in order to cope and come to terms with their child’s condition.

Outlook For Conduct Disorder.

It is vital that a child or teen begin treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated they may go on to develop other mental health conditions. These may include antisocial personality disorder, mood disorders, or addictions. They are also at high risk of being early school leavers and having continued run-ins with the legal system.

With treatment these risks can be reduced greatly. Early recognition of the symptoms can help minimize the distress caused to the child and family. Plus prevent further problems from developing.

It is important to recognize that we are dealing with children here. They need a loving, nurturing and supportive environment in which to develop and grow. Consistency is the key, with love and discipline, it can reduce symptoms and prevent further disturbing behaviours from arising.

Link to SESS Ireland

Reach Out For Support.

Remember you are allowed to ask for support. No one is an island. In fact I would strongly advice you make sure you create a positive support system before you start to make any changes in your life. One part of that positive support system is working a therapist. Please reach out to a local therapist if you need to.

My Workbooks

I offer a variety of tips and discuss a range of topics in my workbooks The Building Blocks Of Self-Care, Moving Towards Self-forgiveness, The Little Book Of Reflection And Gratitude and Building Acceptance Into Your Life. You can purchase them on Amazon or here.