OVERVIEW:
Conduct Disorder is a severe condition characterized by emotionally and sometimes physically violent behavior and a disregard for others
- The child with a Conduct Disorder does not respect authority, has little regard for the basic rights of others and breaks major societal rules
- He or she demonstrates aggressive conduct that threatens physical harm or property damage, deceitfulness, theft, truancy or running away from home.
- The child with a Conduct Disorder is often vengeful, irascible, and has a chip on his shoulder.
- Children with Conduct Disorder exhibit cruelty, from early pushing, hitting and biting to, later, more than normal teasing and bullying, hurting animals, picking fights, theft, vandalism, and arson.
The cause of Conduct Disorder is believed to be a combination of genetic vulnerability and environmental factors. Treatment plans might include behavior therapy with the child and parents and pharmacotherapy.
Since childhood and adolescent conduct disorder results in a high risk of adult antisocial personality disorder, it should be addressed with treatment as early as possible; the earlier treatment starts, the better the possible outcome.