Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a mental health condition affecting children and adolescents whereby patients display acts of misbehavior that often pose serious dilemma to other people and the society.^[1] Since pediatric patients typically present with occasional behavioral problems, a set of guidelines have been made by experts in the field to classify a person as having a conduct disorder. For instance, the pattern of the acts must be recurring and persistent in which the rights of other individuals are violated or societal norms are interrupted. ^[2]

Epidemiology

5 out of every 100 teenagers in the U.S. are estimated to have the disorder.

Causes

The definite cause is still unidentified. Conduct disorder is thought to be a product of different interplaying factors including genes, environment, society and the body processes.  Certain researchers conclude that brain injuries and imbalance or inefficiency of chemicals called neurotransmitters may cause the condition. Environmental and psychological factors are regarded as triggers. These include childhood abuse, traumatic experiences, wrong implementation of parental discipline, problems with moral awareness and conflicts within the family. Some of the societal factors are poverty and peer rejection. Having a relative with a psychiatric disorder increases the likelihood of a person to develop conduct disorder. ^[2]

Signs and Symptoms                                                                                      

Patients usually are impetuous, difficult to control and do not have regard for other person’s feelings. The diagnostic criteria for the disorder are divided into four which include aggression to people and animals, damage of property, serious defiance of rules and deceitfulness or theft. Among those listed in the first criterion include bullying or threatening other people, physical cruelty to animals and forcing another person to engage in a sexual act. Under destruction of property criterion, listed are purposeful engagement in fire setting and intentional destroying of another person’s property. Under the third one is lying and stealing nontrivial items. Listed in the serious violations of rules criterion are absenteeism in school and running away from home. ^[3]

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is often made by analyzing the medical history of the patient. Physical exams and laboratory tests may help rule out other medical diseases. ^[4]

Treatment

Family support is extremely important. Techniques on how to handle the children should be taught to the parents. Treatment at home is much more recommended than putting the child on an inpatient program or behavioral modification schools. When there is depression, drugs or talk therapy may be given. ^[4]

References:

1.      http://behavenet.com/conduct-disorder

2.      http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-conduct-disorder

3.      http://psychcentral.com/disorders/conduct-disorder-symptoms/

4.      http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000919.htm

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