Identifying a Conduct Disorder in Children
Rachel Bolen
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The Introduction to Psychology, 6th Edition, (Rod Plotnik), describes a conduct disorder as a persistent pattern of negative and aggressive behavior. All children break the rules on occasion, but a child with a conduct disorder is constantly in trouble. It may seem that he or she enjoys throwing e 
verything into turmoil.
While boys are diagnosed with conduct disorders more often than girls, there are two general types of conduct disorders described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM_IV. The childhood onset type, which occurs before the age of 10, and the adolescent onset type that occurs after the age of 10.
In order to make a positive diagnosis of either type of conduct disorder, the troublesome behavior has to have been present for at least a year.
The DSM-IV has a very specific list of criteria for the diagnosis of a conduct disorder in your child. If you suspect that your child has a conduct disorder, it is very important to consult a mental health professional. It is not advised to treat the problem without psychiatric guidance.
Children with conduct disorders may show aggression towards people or animals. These children are often seen as bullies, and have trouble making or keeping friends.
The child that you suspect has a conduct disorder is often and openly defiant. He or she will instigate arguments with authority figures.
These children often initiate violent physical encounters, exhibit physical cruelty to people or animals, and may show signs of sexual aggression.
It is common for children with conduct disorders to engage in arson and destruction of property, and then blaming others for their infractions.
Children with conduct disorders will put great effort into annoying other people, and are very often deceitful.
The child may steal, at times breaking into homes or automobiles. Children with conduct disorders often shoplift, or steal from family.
Eventually, the child with a conduct disorder may break curfew, skip school, or run away from home.
While boys are diagnosed with conduct disorders more often than girls, there are two general types of conduct disorders described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM_IV. The childhood onset type, which occurs before the age of 10, and the adolescent onset type that occurs after the age of 10.
In order to make a positive diagnosis of either type of conduct disorder, the troublesome behavior has to have been present for at least a year.
The DSM-IV has a very specific list of criteria for the diagnosis of a conduct disorder in your child. If you suspect that your child has a conduct disorder, it is very important to consult a mental health professional. It is not advised to treat the problem without psychiatric guidance.
Children with conduct disorders may show aggression towards people or animals. These children are often seen as bullies, and have trouble making or keeping friends.
The child that you suspect has a conduct disorder is often and openly defiant. He or she will instigate arguments with authority figures.
These children often initiate violent physical encounters, exhibit physical cruelty to people or animals, and may show signs of sexual aggression.
It is common for children with conduct disorders to engage in arson and destruction of property, and then blaming others for their infractions.
Children with conduct disorders will put great effort into annoying other people, and are very often deceitful.
The child may steal, at times breaking into homes or automobiles. Children with conduct disorders often shoplift, or steal from family.
Eventually, the child with a conduct disorder may break curfew, skip school, or run away from home.