Conduct Disorder Behavioral Treatment Plans

Children and adolescents are the typical sufferers of conduct disorder behavior. It is a complex set of issues that involve their emotions and ultimately their behavior. They are known for being unable to adhere to social rules and display unobjectionable actions. They are often thought of as corrupt kids, but the underlying root of conduct disorder behavior is mental illness.

Types of Behavior

• Conduct disorder can manifest itself in varying forms of disagreeable, aggressive and antisocial behavior. Many times there is bullying, lying and/or physical abuse of animals or people, often times using weapons. Truancy is common, as are running away from home or staying out late. In addition, sufferers of this disorder are known to steal, destroy property or break into cars and houses. They also tend to be sexually forceful.

Diagnosis and Medical Treatment

• It is imperative that children have a thorough evaluation if any of these negative behaviors are displayed. The underlying issue for the negative behavior needs to be investigated for the well-being of the child. It could be caused by ADHD, learning issues, mood disorders, anxiety or thought disorders. If it is not addressed early on, then it could play out adversely later in adulthood. If the symptoms are those of inability to focus, hyperactivity or impulsiveness, then stimulant medications can be prescribed that are helpful. The drug methylphenidate (Ritalin) has been proven to be the most helpful in treating aggressive behavior, followed by anticonvulsants. Lithium is the last drug of choice to ease the symptoms.

Psychological Counseling

• Since conduct disorder behavior is a complicated illness, psychotherapy and behavior therapy should be sought as early as possible. Typically, children are unaccommodating because of their underlying fear in general, along with a basic mistrust of adults. A psychiatrist needs to delve into all of the childhood issues that may have played a role in the conduct disorder behavior. The child can then be trained in how to suppress anger and how to have appropriate behavior in social settings. The treatment for conduct disorder behavior is a long journey because it entails the learning of entirely new perspectives and the adapting of overall positive behavior. The earlier the treatment is begun, the better a child's chances for growing into a healthy-minded adult.