EXTREME MISBEHAVIOR

CONDUCT DISORDER

By Shlomo Y. Radcliffe

What is Conduct Disorder?

Conduct Disorder is a serious mental health disorder in children. It is not simple “misbehaviour” but rather a disorder characterized by anti-social types of behaviour – destructive, aggressive and out of bounds actions.

Symptoms of Conduct Disorder (DSM-IV Criteria)

In order to diagnose a child with conduct disorder the child must meet the following symptoms:

• The child consistently destroys property:

§         Uses arson or other types of violent acts to deliberately demolish someone’s property.

• The child displays aggression to animals and people such as:
• Using a dangerous weapon.
• Engaging in physical and non-physical cruelty to humans and/or animals.
• Often initiating fights.
• Serious bullying of others.
• The child is deceitful and steals from others:

§         Steals money or property,

§         Cons others,

§         Shoplifts.

•  The child does not cooperate with normal rules

§         Repeatedly skips school and classes.

§         Routinely runs away from home.

§         Consistently ignores curfews.

•  The episodes of behaviour must cause stress and problems in the everyday life of the youngster – for instance, legal problems, school expulsion, and family problems.

 Conduct Disorder is a serious disorder of behavior and not simply an overdose of the sort of ordinary mischief or misbehavior that all children get into. It requires repetitive, consistent anti-social behavior that is not responsive to normal parenting interventions.

Treating Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder requires many interventions. Pharmacotherapy- stimulants, lithium, anticonvulsants, clonidine, and antidepressants- can be employed as treatment. If possible a professional child psychiatrist experienced in the treatment of this disorder should be consulted. In addition, psychotherapy with specialized treatment for conduct disorder can be very helpful. Again, seek an experienced child psychologist for this treatment. Parent involvement is required in effective treatment. Monitoring the child’s activities closely and knowing where the child is at all times, are important tasks for parents of conduct disordered children. Behavioral treatment carried out in the home is an essential part of treatment. For instance, it is important to reinforce the child’s positive behavior and not focus on the negative. Rewards for positive behavior should be used. Any negative consequences or punishments that are given must be realistic. Avoiding punishments that aren’t likely to be implemented (i.e. “you aren’t going to watch TV for the rest of the year”) is critical. Helping children with consequences requires firm and consistent limit setting. A behavioral specialist should be consulted to help set up home treatment.