Conduct Disorder

Up to 10% of children and teenagers may struggle with conduct disorder, which can prevent them from flourishing at school and in relationships with other people. At Alamo Premier Mental Health in San Antonio, Texas, the skilled mental health specialists screen for and treat conduct disorder to help your child thrive. Schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment by calling the office or booking a visit online today. 

What is conduct disorder?

Conduct disorder is a condition affecting children and teenagers. It’s characterized by aggressive actions that harm other people. Conduct disorder falls under the category of disruptive behavior disorders. 

If your child or teenager exhibits symptoms of conduct disorder, see the Alamo Premier Mental Health specialists for an evaluation and treatment recommendations.

What are the symptoms of conduct disorder?

Conduct disorder symptoms may include:

• Aggressive behaviors
• Harming others
• Violating rules and norms
• Impulsiveness
• Violating other people’s rights
• Lying
• Stealing
• Property destruction
• Deceiving other people  
• Physical violence
• Bullying 
• Verbal abuse 
• Threatening others
• Hurting other people
• Blaming others for one’s own actions
• Setting fires
• Running away from home
• Skipping school
• Substance misuse
• Risky sexual behaviors 
• Not showing remorse for negative actions
• Problems maintaining friendships

Conduct disorder often develops gradually over time. It’s often diagnosed between the ages 10 and 19. It’s common for a child with conduct disorder to also have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, learning disorders, or similar mental health conditions. Its symptoms are similar to antisocial personality disorder.

What are the risk factors for conduct disorder?

Risk factors for conduct disorder include:

• Being male
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Seizures
• Neurological damage
• Family history of conduct disorder or related disorders
• Learned behaviors
• High testosterone levels
• Substance misuse
• Home environment that lacks structure or supervision 
• Exposure to domestic violence
• Low socioeconomic status
• Social stress
• Access to drugs
• Living in a high-crime area

While the exact numbers aren’t clear, conduct disorder may affect 2-10% of children and teenagers in the United States.

Adults may also have conduct disorder. Those who do might have difficulty maintaining relationships, keeping a job, or abiding by laws. 

How is conduct disorder diagnosed?

The experts at Alamo Premier Mental Health complete a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria to determine if you or a loved one has conduct disorder. They evaluate your moods, thoughts, emotions, lifestyle habits, medications, previous diagnoses, and behaviors. 

Your specialist also offers DNA-based testing (pharmacogenetic testing) to determine candidacy for medications based on genetic makeup. 

How is conduct disorder treated?

Individualized conduct disorder treatment plans may consist of:

• Lifestyle modifications
• Parental education
• Anger management training
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Other forms of psychotherapy 
• Community-based treatments
• Medication management

Follow up with the team at Alamo Premier Mental Health periodically to ensure optimal mental health outcomes and symptom improvements. Call the office any time you have concerns or questions.

Schedule a conduct disorder evaluation at Alamo Premier Mental Health by calling the office or booking an in-person or telehealth evaluation online today.