Socialized conduct disorder, also known as conduct disorder, is a serious psychiatric illness found in children and teenagers. Violence, lying and stealing are just a few of the characteristics of this difficult disease. According to the National Mental Health Information Center, 1 to 9 percent of children 9 to 17 years old in the United States suffer from conduct disorder.
Symptoms
To diagnose conduct disorder, your child must exhibit behaviors in four specific categories, according to Mental Health America. They are: aggression toward animals and people like bullying and animal cruelty, deliberate property damage (setting a house on fire), deceit (lying, stealing) and not following rules of the school, house or law. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), three specific conduct disorder behaviors must last for at least six months to bear out the diagnosis.
Onset
Signs of conduct disorder can begin as early as preschool age, according to AAFP. In preschool, your child can be irritable, hyper and impulsive. In elementary school, your child may lack social skills and continue to be aggressive. In middle school and high school, the previous signs may transform into such behaviors as lying, stealing and defying rules, all characteristics of conduct disorder.
Risk Factors
According to AAFP, biology, genetics, the environment and social status play a role in causing conduct disorder. Some biological risk factors include brain injury, neurotransmitter (brain chemicals) decline and mental illnesses like depression or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Your child may be predisposed to conduct disorder if you or other immediate family members suffer from mental illness. Also, being surrounded by abuse and poverty are additional risk factors for conduct disorder.
Treatment
Conduct disorder can be treated with stimulants that treat hyperactiveness, antidepressants and anticonvulsants that are normally used to treat seizures, according to AAFP. Psychotherapy (counseling) is also used to help children re-channel their aggressiveness and anger, receive positive reinforcement (rewards for good behavior) and to involve family in therapy sessions.
Prevention
There is no way to prevent conduct disorder because many risk factors play a role in its development. Parents can look for aggressive behavior in their children and provide a loving and supportive environment to reduce the risk for the illness or catch it early, according to the National Mental Health Information Center.
