15 Signs Your Child Might Have Conduct Disorder
Reviewed By: Nicole Cauchois, LCPC, LADC
Written By: Daniel Mark Hipp
What is Conduct Disorder?
Conduct disorder refers to “a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others … are violated” (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Children who have conduct disorder can turn into adults who have antisocial personality disorder (commonly known as psychopathy).
There are two subtypes of conduct disorder.
Childhood-Onset Type
Childhood-onset type covers the presence of conduct disorder characteristics before the individual has turned 10 years old. There is at least one sign of conduct disorder before the age of 10 (Durand and Barlow, 2016).
Adolescent-Onset Type
Adolescent-onset type covers the presence of conduct disorder after the age of 10 years old. To be marked as this subtype, there must have been no characteristics of conduct disorder shown before the age of 10 years old (Durand and Barlow, 2016).
One or more of the characteristics are met within the last 12 months. (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
15 Signs of Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder should be addressed as early as possible in order to provide the greatest chance of extinguishing these behaviors before adulthood.
The 5th text revision edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders identifies 15 key behaviors which can qualify children for conduct disorder.
If you have observed your child engage in three or more of these behaviors in the past 12 months, you should consult The Healing Center or a qualified mental health professional.
These requirements were taken directly from the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5-TR.
“1. Often bullies, threatens, or intimidates others.
2. Often initiates physical fights.
3. Has used a weapon that can cause serious physical harm to others.
4. Has been physically cruel to people.
5. Has been physically cruel to animals.
6. Has stolen while confronting a victim
7. Has forced someone into sexual activity
8. Has deliberately engaged in fire setting with the intention of causing serious damage.
9. Has deliberately destroyed others’ property (other than by fire setting).
10. Has broken into someone else’s house, buildings, or car
11. Often lies to obtain goods or favors to avoid obligations
12. Has stolen items of nontrivial value without confronting a victim
13. Often stays out at night despite parental prohibitions, beginning before age 13 years.
14. Has run away from home overnight at least twice while living in the parental or parental surrogate home, or once without returning for a lengthy period.
15. Is often truant from school, beginning before age 13 years” (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Criminality related to Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder can be displayed in numerous ways as evidenced by the list of signs provided by the American Psychiatric Association.
The majority of the list is a blatant violation of others autonomy. Children suffering from conduct disorder damage other’s lives while also placing themselves into Juvenile Detention Centers.
What starts as a “misunderstanding” of “kids being kids” going ignored can quickly spiral out of control for you and your child’s physical, mental, and legal wellbeing.
Underarousal Hypothesis for Conduct Disorder
There are two theories for the development of conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and psychopathy.
The first theory is known as the underarousal hypothesis.
It is best to think of this like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Too little and too much arousal leads to a bad mood and poor performance. There is an amount that is “just right”.
The suggestion here is that individuals with conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or psychopathy are under stimulated to the point that they seek out stimulation through high risk behaviors which often hurt others (Sylvers, Ryan, Alden, & Brennan, 2009).
Fearlessness Hypothesis for Conduct Disorder
The second theory is known as the fearlessness hypothesis.
According to this theory, individuals with conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or psychopathy have extremely high tolerances for fear (Lykken, 1982).
That is to say that what scares the average individual is nothing but a mere tickle to someone with one of these diagnoses.
Many violent and erratic behaviors are deterred due to the fear of the outcome. People with one of these disorders don’t register this fear as a reason to stop.
It may be interpreted as stimulating behavior since it may fulfill one’s desires or needs. There may be something enjoyable for these individuals to engage in a behavior that is societally reprimanded.
The Healing Center Has Treatment Options For Conduct Disorder
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the go-to treatment for Conduct Disorder.
It is best to get started as soon as possible in order to help prevent future acts of violence.
The Healing Center in Las Vegas provides tailored mental health services facilitated by a team proficient in addressing diverse cultural backgrounds. Certified therapists deliver in-person or remote sessions, aiming to reduce stigma and foster a mentally healthy community. Our Boutique Psychotherapy Center employs spiritually attuned counselors, employing various techniques to reconnect individuals with their inner selves and foster self-worth.
With holistic approaches, these therapists equip patients with strategies to navigate life's crises effectively.
For further information on their therapies or to schedule a consultation, please visit The Healing Center's website at https://www.thehealingcentervegas.com/.
Contact The Healing Center via phone (702)505-1280 or email TheHealingCenterOperations@gmail.com.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th. ed., text rev. ). Washington, DC. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Lykken, D. T. (1982). Fearfulness: Its carefree charms and deadly risks. Psychology Today, 16, 20-28.