Conduct Disorder

My sons diagnosis of conduct disorder is recent and quite honestly something I had expected but dreaded for the longest time after being told numerous times that he did not have it, after asking his doctors over and over whether we were missing something and being told no it was both a relief and a point of resentment to hear. 

Typically if ADD is not managed and a child faces rejection and frustration on the part of family members, teachers, peers and alike it can develop into ODD and then conduct disorder, considering that we have tried everything to prevent this from happening it was an incredibly difficult thing to hear, there are many factors that can contribute to this progression and there have been many times where I have found myself thinking over the more traumatic events and instances in my sons journey trying to see where we went wrong but the truth is that we cannot simply mark it down to one thing it is a host of instances, circumstances and behaviors that have led to this point and I could spend the rest of myself driving myself insane with what ifs and if only's.

As a parent the symptoms and behaviors displayed with conduct disorder are scary and I am incredibly grateful for my support system in this regard.

What is conduct disorder:

Conduct disorder is a group of behavioral and emotional problems that usually begins during childhood or adolescence. Children and adolescents with the disorder have a difficult time following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable way. They may display aggressive, destructive, and deceitful behaviors that can violate the rights of others. Adults and other children may perceive them as “bad” or delinquent, rather than as having a mental illness.

Symptoms:

• aggressive conduct

• deceitful behavior

• destructive behavior

• violation of rules

Aggressive Conduct

• intimidating or bullying others

• physically harming people or animals on purpose

• committing rape

• using a weapon

Deceitful Behavior

• lying

• breaking and entering

• stealing

• forgery

Destructive Behavior

• Destruction of property

• arson

Violation of Rules

• skipping school

• running away from home

• drug and alcohol use

• sexual behavior at a very young age 

Boys who have conduct disorder are more likely to display aggressive and destructive behavior than girls. Girls are more prone to deceitful and rule-violating behavior.

Additionally, the symptoms of conduct disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe.