Conduct Disorder

APSARA KATUWAL DANGOL

Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder is a behavioral and emotional problem present in children and teenager. It is common in children. It is all about disruptive and violent behavior and having problems to follow rules, impulsive behavior, use of drugs, evil type of activities. This type of behavior is seen in school, home and in social settings. It is not taken as a mental illness in society but perceived as bad children.

Types of Conduct Disorder

There are three types of Conduct Disorder listed below:

i. Childhood Onset: The sign of Conduct Disorder appear before 10 years old.

ii. Adolescent-Onset: The sign of Conduct Disorder appear during teenage.

iii. Unspecified Onset: The sign of Conduct Disorder in which age started is unknown.

Causes of Conduct Disorder

There are mainly two causes of Conduct Disorder. They are genetic and environmental factors.

i. Genetic causes: Frontal lobe of the brain plays important role in regulation of cognition. When there is a problem in the frontal lobe in a child, it can cause the problem to control impulse, unable to plan for future actions, continuously repeats the same mistake. Frontal lobe can be impaired which can be genetic cause due to injury.

ii. Environmental factors: If a child has been abused and if family members are alcoholic, it can lead to Conduct Disorder in children.

Symptoms of Conduct Disorder

The symptoms of Conduct Disorder can be mild, moderate or severe which are listed as:

i. Aggressive behavior includes bullying, fighting, being cruel to people or animals, use of weapons, forcing for sexual activity.

ii. Destructive behavior includes the destruction of property like deliberately fire setting and harming another person's property.

iii. Deceitful behavior includes like lying repeatedly, stealing.

iv. Violation of rules like doing pranks, not obeying rules, and being sexually active during young age, running away from the house.

Diagnosis

Conduct Disorder in children can be diagnosed with the help of Mental health professionals after knowing the disruptive behavior patterns in a child. There should be at least three behaviors that are common to Conduct Disorder. At least one behavior can be seen in past six months.

Treatment

Early treatment can be helpful in helping the child to cope with concerned problems.

i. Behavior Therapy can play important role in treatment of Conduct Disorder.

ii. Cognitive Behavior Therapy can help in developing several important cognitive skills.

Medications

i. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is used for children from six years and above.

ii. Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) is for children between three to five years.

Note: Do not use above medication without prescription of the psychiatrist.

About Writer

Apsara Katuwal Dangol, is writer, educator, and psychosocial counselor. She writes articles which covers topics related to general and developmental psychology. She teaches to MA Clinical Psychology students as Developmental Psychology Mentor at Tri-Chandra College, and General Psychology at Shubhashree College of Management.

Sources and Citations

Conduct Disorder
http://www.healthline.com/health/conduct-disorder#overview1

Conduct Disorder
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/conduct-disorder

Conduct disorder
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000919.htm

Conduct Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment in Primary Care
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0415/p1579.html

Conduct Disorder Symptoms
https://psychcentral.com/disorders/conduct-disorder-symptoms/

Treatment Of Conduct Disorder
https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/treatment-of-conduct-disorder/

Mental Health and Conduct Disorder
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-conduct-disorder#1