Conduct Disorder - "Conduct disorder is a severe condition characterized by hostile and sometimes physically violent behavior and a disregard for others. Children with CD exhibit cruelty, from early pushing, hitting and biting to, later, more than normal teasing and bullying, hurting animals, picking fights, theft, vandalism, and arson. Since childhood and adolescent conduct disorder often develops into the adult antisocial personality disorder, it should be addressed with treatment as early as possible; the earlier treatment starts, the better the outlook" - The Child Mind Institute
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Laws
There are no laws specific to conduct disorder. It falls under the umbrella of IDEA. Several related topics included responses to ADHD as a comorbidity, legal limitations on the use of restraint or seclusion, rethinking discipline (ending corporal punishment), guidance package addressing the behavioral needs of students with disabilities, and accelerating positive school culture and discipline practices via the Charter sector. There is continued work for progress and inclusion in working with students with conduct disorders. Schools receiving federal funding are prohibited from discriminating against children with disabilities. For most situations, they are further required to make accommodations created to fulfill the individual learning needs for that student.
Treatment and Strategies
Intervention!
The current DSM-IV recommends managing patients with conduct disorder with these practical Interventions:
- assess severity and refer treatment as needed
- treat comorbid substance abuse first
- describe likely long-term prognosis without intervention
- structure activities and implement consistent behavioral guidelines
- emphasize parental monitoring of activities and encourage enforcement of curfews
- encourage involvement in structures and supervised peer activities like sports or Scouting
- discuss and demonstrate clear and specific parental communication techniques
- help caregivers establish appropriate rewards for desirable behavior
- help establish realistic, clearly communicated consequences for noncompliance
- help establish daily routine of child-directed play activity with parents
- consider pharmacotherapy for children who are highly aggressive or impulsive, or both, or those with a mood disorder
Supports
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Behavior Modification
In schools, this can be PBIS, or parts of the recommended interventions
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Symptoms
Conduct disorder has varying degrees of severity - mild, moderate, or severe
Aggressive Conduct - may include intimidating or bullying others, physically harming people or animals intentionally, using a weapon, or committing sexual assault.
Deliberate Destructive Behavior - this may include arson, vandalism and other intentional property destruction.
Violation of Rules - this may include skipping school, running away from home, drug and alcohol use, and sexual behavior at a very young age.
Persistent Deceitful Behavior - may include lying, breaking and entering, stealing, and forgery.
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- Family history of conduct disorder
- Family history of mental illness
- Other psychiatric disorders
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- Dysfunctional home environment
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