Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder services offered in Doylestown and King Of Prussia, PA

Diagnosing Conduct Disorder

Giving Your Child a Chance

A diagnosis of Conduct Disorder can be a very upsetting but relieving explanation for parents. You most likely have experienced your child exhibiting disruptive behaviors and frequently getting in trouble. Because of their behaviors, they may be getting excluded from peer groups or having trouble with teachers. We understand that you want your child to thrive and gain better control over their emotions. With a diagnosis from P.S. Psychiatry, your child will be one step closer to developing the coping skills they need and thriving in their environments.

Making Sense of the Chaos

Signs & Symptoms of Conduct Disorder

Understanding your child’s behavior and helping them through it starts with being able to identify it. We understand that some behaviors are age-appropriate, but others may seem excessive. If you, a teacher, or another person in your child’s life brought up concerns around their behaviors, it might be time to talk with a P.S. Psychiatry professional for help.

Aggression: You witness or have been told that your child is aggressive towards others. This can look like bullying peers or being cruel to animals too.

Destructive: Your child deliberately engages in fire setting to cause damage or intentionally seeks to destroy others’ property.

Deceitful: This can include breaking into someone’s property, lying or conning others, or shoplifting.

Rule-Breaker: Your child often defies rules, like staying out past curfew. They may also run away from home or are truant from school.

Treatment Options

We understand that Conduct Disorder can feel exhausting and scary. You’ve probably already tried things to help your child too, but below are a few things that can help restore order to your home.

Medication: A prescription from your P.S. Psychiatry provider can help reduce some of the symptoms of Conduct Disorder.

Evaluation: A formal Neuropsychological Evaluation can be an important tool in helping you and your treatment team plan a path forward.

Therapy: Talking with a therapist is a great place for you and your child to learn strategies to cope with their bigger emotions and behaviors.

Finding the Answers to BPD

Learn More About BPD

What is the difference between Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder?

Both ODD and Conduct Disorder are types of childhood disruptive behavior disorders. Both are characterized by children acting out against other children or adults through defiant and disrespectful behavior. ODD includes an overall negative or agitated mood, a quarrelsome attitude, or being vengeful for at least six months. The onset of ODD is before eight and not after 12 years of age. Conduct disorder is a continual pattern of aggression toward others and intentional rule-breaking behavior. Conduct Disorder is a condition where a child intentionally violates rules and the rights of others. The age of onset is 11 years old, but it can still develop in early adolescence.

My child was just diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. Does this mean he will end up a criminal and be in jail?

This is a common concern for the parents of children with Conduct Disorder. The good news is that some children with Conduct Disorder will grow out of it by adolescence. However, the right behavioral treatment plan with parental involvement focused on setting rules and consequences can be effective for managing Conduct Disorder. There are medications for impulse control, anger management, focus, and attention. A family systems-based behavioral treatment plan with a therapist is essential to help your child manage their Conduct Disorder and avoid long-term consequences, like jail.

Sometimes, I’m afraid of my child with Conduct Disorder. Is this normal?

It is common for parents to be afraid of their child with Conduct Disorder. However, just because it is common does not mean it is okay or normal. If you’re ever worried about your safety, or the safety of others, you should contact the police immediately.

Can medications help my child with the symptoms of Conduct Disorder?

Your Psychiatrist can talk with you about the best medications specific to your child’s symptoms. There are medications for impulse control, anger management, and focus and attention that can help children with Conduct Disorder. A family systems-based behavioral treatment plan with a therapist is essential to help your child manage their Conduct Disorder.

Will my child grow out of their diagnosis of Conduct Disorder?

The majority of children, about 70%, who display Conduct Disorder symptoms will grow out of it by adolescence. The children that do not grow out of it and continue to meet diagnostic criteria during adolescence have a poorer prognosis.

How should I react to my child with Conduct Disorder? I find myself getting triggered into anger.

Parents are often triggered with their children with Conduct Disorder as their behavior can induce fear and danger for their child, family, and others. Parents need to talk with a therapist and develop a plan to consciously act and not react to their children’s behavior. Parents remaining calm and having a detailed plan of how to act with each disruptive behavior when it occurs can make a difference in how these episodes are handled.

Is it normal to feel lonely as parents with a child with Conduct Disorder? The other parents don’t want their kids around my child.

Parents with children with Conduct Disorder often feel that other parents move their children away from children with Conduct Disorder. They may not be invited to playdates and may be excluded from parties. When your child is excluded from their friend group, you may also be excluded from the parent group. This can feel lonely and isolating. It is also painful to watch your child be excluded. Finding the right therapist(s) and a psychiatrist to work with your family on your child’s behavior can help reduce symptoms over time that push other children and families away.

Is an inpatient facility better than outpatient therapy for a child with Conduct Disorder?

This is dependent on several factors. We encourage you to speak with your P.S. Psychiatry provider to determine what level of care is most appropriate.

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Conduct Disorder