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Conduct Disorder

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Definition

Conduct disorder is a childhood emotional and behavioral disorder characterized by disruptive behavior. Children with conduct disorder have difficulty following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable manner.

Causes

While no specific cause of conduct disorder has been identified, the following are thought to possibly contribute to the development of conduct disorder:
  • Brain damage
  • Child abuse
  • Genetics
  • Failure in school
  • Traumatic life experiences
Prefrontal Cortex
Prefrontal cortex brain
This area of the brain is associated with appropriate social behavior. A combination of genetics affecting this area and life experiences may cause conduct disorder.
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Risk Factors

The following factors are thought to increase the risk of conduct disorder:
  • Age: younger than 18 years old, usually 7-8 years and older
  • Gender: male
  • Individual, psychosocial, environmental, and genetic factors

Symptoms

Symptoms of conduct disorder may include:
  • Bullying behavior
  • Physical fights
  • Use of a weapon
  • Physical cruelty to people or animals
  • Stealing, lying, or deceitfulness
  • Forced sexual activity
  • Deliberate destruction of property
  • Serious violations of rules
  • Starting fires

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. Your child may be referred to a mental health professional, who will evaluate your child.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Treatment options include:

Parent Training

Experts can help parents learn to manage their child’s behavior and emotional problems.

Psychotherapy

Behavior therapy and psychotherapy can help children learn to appropriately express and control their anger.

Medications

Psychiatric medicines such as lithium, risperidone, and clonidine may benefit children with conduct disorder. In some studies, lithium has helped to reduce aggression. Currently, there are no medicines that have been shown to be clearly effective in treating conduct disorder.

Prevention

If you are concerned your child may be at risk for conduct disorder, talk with your pediatrician about early intervention options.
Studies have shown that a parenting program called Webster-Stratton Incredible Years can benefit young children who are at risk for conduct disorder.

RESOURCES

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry http://aacap.org/

Mental Health America http://www.nmha.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry http://www.cacap-acpea.org/

Canadian Mental Health Association http://www.ontario.cmha.ca/index.asp

References

Conduct disorder. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry website. Available at: http://aacap.org/page.ww?section=Facts+for+Families&name=Conduct+Disorder . Accessed May 24, 2007.

Conduct disorder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed May 28, 2008.

Holmes SE, Slaughter JR, Kashami I, Risk factors in childhood that lead to the development of conduct disorder and antisocial personality disorder. Child Psych Hum Dev . 2001;31:183-193.

The Incredible Years website. Available at: http://www.incredibleyears.com/evaluation/evaluation-studies.htm . Accessed May 28, 2008.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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