What Is Conduct Disorder?

By katherine

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Learn more about this disruptive emotional and behavioral disorder and how it affects children and their families. Conduct disorder causes a serious pattern of behaviors and emotions. Explore the common causes, effects, treatment options and prevention strategies today.

The most common issues related to conduct disorder are violent behaviors and defiance. Individuals who are diagnosed with this disorder typically exhibit a range of behaviors that go against the accepted norms of society. Don’t let this disorder continue to affect your family life, but work with qualified mental health professionals to find the treatment needed for you or a loved one. Compare common symptoms and related disorders to understand what makes conduct disorder unique.

1. What Is Conduct Disorder?

Similar to adult antisocial personality disorder, conduct disorder is primarily a behavioral issue. Children and teens with this issue typically disregard social standards and break rules willingly with little or no regard to consequences. This serious disorder leads many individuals to break laws, steal and cause physical harm to people and animals. A few such instances may not be a clear indicator, but continued behaviors of these kinds may lead to a diagnosis.

There are many symptoms of conduct disorder and several possible treatment options. The issue is more common among boys and can be seen as early as age 10. For approximately 25-40% of individuals, this disorder will lead to antisocial personality disorder as an adult. Learn to spot the signs and seek treatment to reduce the symptoms of this disorder.