Conduct disorder
Conduct disorder
Conduct disorder (CD) consists of socially unacceptable, disruptive, and aggressive emotions and behaviours. These behaviours are usually discovered during childhood or adolescence
Risk factors
- abuse
- poverty
- parental substance abuse
- family conflict or violence
Clinical features
- initiating physical fights
- bullying or threatening others
- using a weapon to cause harm
- physical cruelty to humans or animals
- stealing
- breaking into someone else’s property
- forcing someone into sexual activity
- setting fire to cause damage
- destruction of property
- staying out late without permission
- running away from home
- missing school frequently
Management
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Family therapy
Group therapy with the child or teen’s peers is also sometimes used to help them develop interpersonal skills and behaviours that foster empathy.
School support is another important part of treatment for conduct disorder. This team typically involves school counselors, school psychologists, social workers,
Medication is not typically used to treat conduct disorder, but individuals with co-occurring disorders may be prescribed medication to treat symptoms of other conditions. Medication is typically prescribed if the child has attention issues or mood-related symptoms like depression.