Conduct Disorder

About this topic

Conduct disorder is a set of mood and behavior problems in children. A child or teen with a conduct disorder may have problems following rules. The child may not respect others basic rights. A child with conduct disorder often has problems in school and getting along with others. The child may break laws and be viewed by others as bad or a delinquent. ‚

What are the causes?

This mental health problem may be caused by a brain injury. It may also be passed on from a parent to a child. ‚

What can make this more likely to happen?

Children and teens with a conduct disorder are more often male. They may have had other problems like oppositional defiant disorder when they were younger. A child is more likely to have this problem if a parent or sibling also has it. ‚
These things can also raise the risk for conduct disorder: ‚

Abuse or neglect
Being male
Feeling rejected by parents or friends
Living in a violent neighborhood
Having a parent with a mental health or substance abuse problem
Having other mental health problems

What are the main signs?

Your child may: ‚

Be aggressive or fight a lot
Bully or threaten others
Be cruel to people or animals
Harm others property
Lie, steal, or commit crimes
Break rules
Have temper tantrums
Be irritable or depressed
Have no concern for the feelings of others
Run away

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?

Your doctor will take your childs history and do an exam. The doctor will talk with you about your child's behavior and activities. Be sure to share the signs you see in your child that are worrying you. Tell the doctor how they are affecting your child and family. ‚
There is no real test for diagnosing conduct disorder. The diagnosis is made when a child has a history of conduct disorder signs. ‚
The doctor may order tests to look for other problems. ‚

Blood tests
CT or MRI of the brain

How does the doctor treat this health problem?

Your doctor may send your child to a mental health expert, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. Your child may work on learning how to deal with teachers and parents. Your child may also work on how to be a good friend and respect others. Your child may learn ways to deal with anger. You may also go to learn ways to deal with your childs behavior. Your whole family may go to therapy to learn how to communicate better with each other. Support groups may help you or your child deal with feelings and behaviors. ‚

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: ‚

Treat other problems like attention deficit disorder

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

There is no way to prevent conduct disorder. Learning skills to handle your childs behaviors and early treatment may lower the chance of more problems as your child gets older. ‚

Where can I learn more?

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry ‚
http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/Facts_for_Families_Pages/Conduct_Disorder_33.aspx ‚
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Disruptive-Behavior-Disorders.aspx ‚

Last Reviewed Date

2015-05-08 ‚

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Mental Health
Pediatric

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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