Conduct disorder (CD) is a psychological disorder, sometimes also referred to as a behavioural disorder. This disorder is often diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. The patients of conduct disorder represent themselves through an antisocial behaviour, which violates the rights of others and is objectionable to the society. The aggressive and destructive character of the child makes him reckless and negligent towards the society. A person with conduct disorder may seem resilient and self-assured but in reality, they are very insecure and always scared of their social surroundings. Therefore, they sometimes take violent measures to protect themselves. The type of conduct disorder is, decided according to the age at which symptoms first appear. A conduct disorder may appear before the age of 10, or during the teenage. Sometimes the age at which signs and symptoms first appeared is, not known.
Causes of Conduct Disorder
Several environmental and genetic factors contribute in the development of conduct disorder in child.
- Frontal lobe damage
- Problem solving and learning disability
- Lack of instinct control
- Impoverishment
- History of child abuse
- Dysfunctional family
- Peer pressure
- Stressful environment
Symptoms
A child with conduct disorder does not care about the rules and regulations and is apathetic towards others. The symptoms of behavioural disorder can be categorised into 4 types:
Deceitful Behaviour
- Dishonesty
- Lying
- Larceny
- Pilfering
Violation of rules
Aggressive conduct
- Rape and molestation
- Oppressing others
- Frequent fights
- Brutality towards animals
- Carrying a weapon
Destructive Behaviour
- Cutting yourself
- Overeating
- Bullying
- Arson
Diagnosis of Conduct Disorder
Qualified mental health professionals such as a
psychiatrist or
psychologist can help in the diagnosis of conduct disorder. These mental health professionals evaluate and observe the behavioural patterns of child and try to find out the root cause of other problems. A mental health doctor also asks a number of questions from the child’s parents and teachers to know more about behavioural conduct of the child. Sometimes conduct the disorder may also lead to other
mental problems such as mood and anxiety disorders, hyperactivity, learning and stress disorder, or substance abuse.
Treatment
A psychiatrist carries out the treatment, according to the severity of the symptoms. Other factors such as the child’s age, medical history, and parents consent on the type of therapy are, also taken under consideration. A mental health doctor decides whether the treatment can be, done by the therapies alone or a combination of medications and therapy has to be used. However, medicine is not, considered effective in the treatment of conduct disorder, a medicine may be, given to prevent the symptoms of other mental health problems. Common therapies for the treatment of conduct disorder include:
Family therapy- This therapy concentrates on making the positive changes within the family. Refining communication skills and encouraging family interactions are the part of family therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy- This therapy includes enhancing child’s problems solving ability, instinct control, communication skills, and learning anger management.
