|
THERE'S ROOM IN THE INN BOYS RANCH ACADEMY Therapeutic boarding ranch for boys, ages 13-17
Therapeutic Schools and Residential Programs
Sponsored Links
|
Conduct disorder is the most serious psychiatric disorder in childhood and adolescence.
Conduct disorder is a more severe form of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and the childhood equivalent of antisocial personality disorder.
Conduct disorder is a complicated group of behavioral and emotional problems in children and adolescents.
Those with this disorder have great difficulty following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable way. They are often viewed by other children, adults and social agencies as "bad" or delinquent, rather than mentally ill.
Children or adolescents with conduct disorder may exhibit aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, deceitful, lying, stealing, and serious violation of rules.
Children with conduct disorder may also experience:
Children who exhibit these behaviors should receive a comprehensive evaluation. Many children with a conduct disorder may have coexisting conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, ADHD, learning problems, or thought disorders which can also be treated.
Research shows that youngsters with conduct disorder are likely to have ongoing problems if they and their families do not receive early and comprehensive treatment. Without treatment, many young people with conduct disorder are unable to adapt to the demands of adulthood and continue to have problems with relationships and holding a job. They often break laws or behave in an antisocial manner.
Many factors may contribute to a child developing conduct disorder, including brain damage, child abuse, genetic vulnerability, school failure, and traumatic life experiences. Other factors that may make a child more likely to develop conduct disorder include early maternal rejection and/or separation from parents, parental mental illness, and family violence.
Treatment of children with conduct disorder can be complex and challenging. Treatment can be provided in a variety of different settings depending on the severity of the behaviors.
Adding to the challenge of treatment are the child's uncooperative attitude, fear and distrust of adults. In developing a comprehensive treatment plan, a child and adolescent mental health professional may use information from the child, family, teachers, and other medical specialties to understand the causes of the disorder.
Behavior therapy and psychotherapy are usually necessary to help the child appropriately express and control anger. Special education may be needed for youth with learning disabilities. Parents often need expert assistance in devising and carrying out special management and educational programs in the home and at school.
Treatment is rarely brief since establishing new attitudes and behavior patterns takes time. Some child and teen behaviors are hard to change after they have become ingrained. Therefore, the earlier the conduct disorder is identified and treated, the better the chance for success. Early treatment offers a child a better chance for considerable improvement and hope for a more successful future.
Information from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and National Mental Health Information Center. |
