What is conduct disorder (CD)?
What is conduct disorder (CD)? By Arthur Buchanan | Published
01/1/2006 | Psychology | Unrated Arthur Buchanan Listen to
Arthur Buchanan on the Mike Litman Show!
http://freesuccessaudios.com/Artlive.mp3 THIS LINK WORKS, LISTEN
TODAY!
With Much Love, Arthur Buchanan
President/CEO Out of Darkness & Into the Light 43 Oakwood Ave.
Suite 1012 Huron Ohio, 44839 www.out-of-darkness.com
567-219-0994 (cell)
View all articles by Arthur Buchanan
Visit Arthur Buchanan Website What is conduct disorder (CD)?
What is conduct disorder (CD)?
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 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.