Conduct disorder is a pattern of behavior in which an child or adolescent repeatedly breaks rules, engages in violent, dishonest behavior and violates the rights of others, according to Mental Health America. Experts at the National Institutes of Health note that many teens diagnosed with conduct disorder lack the ability to read social cues or feel empathy toward people they victimize. According to Mental Health America, research shows that successful treatment often requires early intervention and intensive treatment approaches that extend to the school, family and community environments.
Step 1
Arrange for a psychological assessment with a mental health provider who specializes in adolescents. According to Mental Health America, early intervention and intensive assessment is essential for the proper treatment of teens with conduct disorder. A mental health professional will assess the client's needs and may refer him for individual, group and family therapy. In addition, a teen with conduct disorder may be prescribed medication to treat associated mood disorders that often co-occur with conduct disorder.
Step 2
Learn about conduct disorder and consult regularly with health professionals. According to Mental Health America, parents supporting a teen with conduct disorder will benefit from learning about the treatment methods and intervention strategies because the home environment is often a critical part of treatment. Parents should consult directly with therapists, doctors and school personnel on a consistent basis.
Step 3
Coordinate behavioral management interventions and consistent communication in the school, home and community environments. Experts at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry suggest treatment for conduct disorder often requires the participation of parents, teachers and community support providers. School personnel may be asked to learn more about the disorder and to implement specific behavioral interventions, and parents may need to attend family therapy sessions and consult regularly with mental health professionals.
Step 4
Reward and reinforce positive behaviors. According to H. Russell Searight, Ph.D. and colleagues, one of the primary treatment methods for conduct disorders in teens is the implementation of behavior management systems that offer rewards for positive behavior. Parents and school personnel can work in concert with mental health professionals to select target behaviors, such as violence, theft or truancy, and offer rewards when a teen has exhibited positive behavior.
