What are Conduct Disorders?
Conduct disorders are a complicated group of behavioral and
emotional problems in young people. Children and adolescents with
these disorders have great difficulty following rules and behaving in
a socially acceptable manner. They are often viewed as "bad" or
delinquent, rather than mentally ill.
Warning Signs of Conduct Disorders
Children may:
- lie.
- steal.
- destroy property.
- misbehave sexually.
- express their anger inappropriately.
- often break rules or laws.
- show physical and verbal aggressive
behavior with other children and/or to adults.
Possible Causes of Conduct Disorders
Many factors may lead to a child developing conduct disorders,
including brain damage, child abuse, defects in mental and/or
emotional age-development, school failure, and negative family and/or
school experiences. The child's "bad" behavior causes a negative
reaction from others, which causes the child to behave even worse.
Importance of Early Detection and
Treatment
According to research, the future of children with conduct
disorders tends to be very unsettled if they and their families do not
receive early, ongoing and comprehensive treatment. Without treatment,
these young people often are unable to adapt to the demands of
adulthood and continue to have problems with relationships and
employment. They generally break laws or behave antisocially.
Treatment
Treatment is difficult because the causes of the illness are
complex and each situation is unique. Also the child's uncooperative
attitude, fear, and distrust of adults adds to the challenge.
After examining the child, a child and
adolescent psychiatrist uses information from other medical
specialists, as well as from the child's family and teachers to
understand the causes of the disorder and to determine a treatment
plan.
Behavior therapy and psychotherapy are
usually necessary to help the child appropriately express and control
anger. Remedial education may also be needed if learning disabilities
are present. Treatment may also include medication in some children;
such as, those with difficulty paying attention and controlling
movement or those who have an associated depression.
Treatment is normally long-term since
establishing new attitudes and behavior patterns take time. Parents
also may need expert assistance in handling special management and
educational programs both at home and in school. However, treatment
gives a good chance for considerable improvement in present behavior
and hope for a successful future.
Source: National Mental Health
Association
