Conduct Disorder

When a child experiences this type of disorder, it is relatively difficult for them to act in a way that is considered to be socially accepted as the “norm”. These children are typically not seen as having an issue that is directly related to the mental functions of their being, but rather they are seen as a child that consistently misbehaves, acts out, or elects to act in opposition to figures that hold a sense of authority in their lives. Here you will gain an understanding of conduct disorder, as well as some appropriate treatments for this condition.

What Causes Conduct Disorder?

Parents who are informed that their child has this disorder are often curious as to the base cause of the condition. Unfortunately, despite extensive research into the condition, there is no conclusive cause as to how this pediatric condition develops. However, many doctors and other specialists have determined that there are some factors that may play a role in the initial onset of the mental illness. These experts agree that the following may have an impact on the children who have the predisposition to develop this mental illness:

• Abuse that is either physical and/or mental
• Injury to the brain due to injury and/or illness
• Exposure to drugs, alcohol, and/or nicotine prior to the birthing process
• Complications at home
• Issues at school
• Life changing events
• Experiencing situations that are considered to be traumatic

Symptoms

There are several different symptoms that may outline the fact that a child suffers from this mental disorder. The following outlines the most basic of symptoms that may be exhibited in children who experience this mental illness:

• Many will show traits of aggression towards others – whether they are younger or older.
• They may intentionally attempt to bring harm upon an animal for no apparent reason.
• Many may start to steal on a regular basis despite the fact that there is no justification in doing so.
• Many children will start to express dishonesty about a wide array of things with no reason in doing so.
• It is common for the child with this mental illness to lash out inappropriately when they are angry, or to become angry when the situation does not call for it.
• There is typically a lack of respect towards rules in the home, in the classroom, and even in the community as a whole.
• It is common for the sufferer of conduct disorder to be destructive in one way or another on a regular basis.
• Remorse is often not exhibited in children that suffer from this mental condition.

Treatments for Conduct Disorder

While there are many medications and other types of treatments for conduct disorder, more and more parents are starting to realize the need for natural treatments. There are many reasons why this route is chosen, but the main reason is that natural based treatments are typically safer for children than prescription based treatments. These treatments have been proven to be more effective, overall, in resolving many of the troublesome symptoms present in this condition. The following represents some options:

1. The first type of natural treatment that many parents and doctors agree on includes that which involves therapy that is based on the process of changing behaviors. Cognitive therapy is also used to supplement this type of treatment. It is believed that if learned behaviors are changed to behaviors that are considered to be ideal, treatment will be successful.

2. Intervention therapy that is used to outline negative consequences of behavior is also a wonderful choice for transitioning a not to likeable behavior into an appropriate behavior.

3. Positive reward systems are also effective for encouraging socially acceptable behaviors in children.

In conclusion, conduct disorder is a challenging condition. It makes the child that is experiencing it seem as if they suffer from a behavior issue when, in fact, they suffer from a mental condition. While there is no specific underlying cause for the onset of this condition, there are many factors that may assist in the development of it. Once the condition is diagnosed, it is important to consider natural treatments such as behavior therapy, intervention therapy, and even positive reward systems to modify the personality and characteristics of the suffering child. Conduct disorder is not a condition that can be cured, but the symptoms can be reduced drastically.

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