Instead, behaviors consistent with conduct disorder usually emerge because the teenagers start to exhibit rebellious behavior.
Oftentimes they associate with similarly behaving friends and are not monitored and managed by parents.
Diagnosis
Conduct disorder is diagnosed by a medical or mental health professional.
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Treating Conduct Disorder
A good treatment plan is extremely important to help a child with conduct disorder.
Without treatment, conduct disorder symptoms will not improve.
Interventions including psychosocial supports, which involve both the child and the family, are most effective.
Treatment is also likely to vary based on the ways the disorder is presented in each specific child.
Summary
Conduct disorder is a mental illness that is diagnosed in children and adolescents.
A Word From Verywell
Children often behave in ways that challenge rules and test boundaries.
A single concern or one-time incident doesn’t necessarily mean there is cause for greater concern.
Temper tantrums are usually a normal way for young children to express themselves when they feel out of control.
More serious concerns include criminal behavior and serious mental illnesses.
In adults, conduct disorder might be diagnosed as antisocial personality disorder.
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