Conduct Disorder
Conduct Disorder
Running Head: CONDUCT DISORDER IN CHILDREN
Conduct Disorder:
The Symptoms and Possible Causes
Pamela Lawson
Psychology 101-03
Prof. Jake-Matthews
10:00 am Class
April 7, 2006
Conduct Disorder
Conduct Disorder:
The Symptoms and Possible Causes Violent behavior among young children and adolescents is a very troubling situation. And there is a growing concern about the increasing rate of violence among children. This violent behavior can be seen in children as young as preschoolers and if it goes untreated can lead to antisocial behavior in adulthood. Children who have been labeled as behavioral problems or act out violently may be suffering from conduct disorder. Conduct disorder is a very serious and complicated set of behavioral and emotional problems in young children that is thought to be the precursor to more serious behavioral problems such as antisocial behavior or even psychopathic tendencies in adults. However there is hope for children diagnosed with conduct disorder, with the proper understanding and treatment these children can learn to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
The best way to help any child that may suffer from conduct disorder is a full understanding of the disorder. Children, who suffer from this disorder, have an inability to behave in a socially acceptable way, nor are they able to follow rules. “The overriding feature of conduct disorder is a persistent pattern of behavior in which the rights of others and age-appropriate social norms are violated.” (Kazdin, 66) In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994, the diagnosis of conduct disorder (CD) is reached if the child shows at least 3 of the 15 symptoms within the past 12 months, with at least 1 symptom evident within the past 6 months. They symptoms include bullying others,
Running Head: CONDUCT DISORDER IN CHILDREN
Conduct Disorder:
The Symptoms and Possible Causes
Pamela Lawson
Psychology 101-03
Prof. Jake-Matthews
10:00 am Class
April 7, 2006
Conduct Disorder
Conduct Disorder:
The Symptoms and Possible Causes Violent behavior among young children and adolescents is a very troubling situation. And there is a growing concern about the increasing rate of violence among children. This violent behavior can be seen in children as young as preschoolers and if it goes untreated can lead to antisocial behavior in adulthood. Children who have been labeled as behavioral problems or act out violently may be suffering from conduct disorder. Conduct disorder is a very serious and complicated set of behavioral and emotional problems in young children that is thought to be the precursor to more serious behavioral problems such as antisocial behavior or even psychopathic tendencies in adults. However there is hope for children diagnosed with conduct disorder, with the proper understanding and treatment these children can learn to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
The best way to help any child that may suffer from conduct disorder is a full understanding of the disorder. Children, who suffer from this disorder, have an inability to behave in a socially acceptable way, nor are they able to follow rules. “The overriding feature of conduct disorder is a persistent pattern of behavior in which the rights of others and age-appropriate social norms are violated.” (Kazdin, 66) In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994, the diagnosis of conduct disorder (CD) is reached if the child shows at least 3 of the 15 symptoms within the past 12 months, with at least 1 symptom evident within the past 6 months. They symptoms include bullying others,