Conduct disorder in children: Five main symptoms and how to cope

Children living with conduct disorder show a pattern of behavior that is aggressive or violent toward others without displaying guilt, remorse, or shame for their actions. Conduct disorder usually occurs in children before the age of 16, but it tends to create lifelong consequences that impact the child and their loved ones.

Conduct disorder, even with early treatment, can be difficult to manage, so it’s important for families to work to identify and address symptoms as quickly as possible. Treatment for conduct disorder usually involves therapy with a professional mental health provider.

Five signs of conduct disorder in children

Conduct disorder has a collection of signs and symptoms that distinguish it from other childhood mental health conditions, but these signs may not be obvious at first. It may take weeks or months of assessment and observation before someone has enough information to accurately diagnose the disorder.

Initially, conduct disorder may be mistaken for other conditions, like:

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) 
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)

Some people may refer to conduct disorder as “childhood sociopathy” or call a child with conduct disorder a “sociopath.” These are not, however, preferred terms, as they add to the stigma surrounding this condition. And you will never hear a mental health professional use those terms.

Of course, all children act out sometimes, but with conduct disorder, a child’s actions are far beyond the expected behavioral issues of most children. To receive a conduct disorder diagnosis, it’s important to see a mental health professional. They will evaluate for symptoms like:

1. Aggression towards people or animals

Aggression toward other people or animals is one of the main signs of conduct disorder. A child with conduct disorder may:

• Bully, threaten, or intimidate
• Fight other children, sometimes with weapons
• Force people into uncomfortable or unwanted situations
• Offer no remorse for their actions

The actions may come from a desire to inflict pain and injury or from a place of extreme curiosity. The child may struggle to recognize the full, lasting impact of their actions. 

2. Coercion and Manipulation

People with conduct disorder may trick, manipulate, or force others into dangerous situations against their will. This could include blackmail, extortion, or actively forcing someone to do something.

Some examples of this behavior include:

• Forcing people to engage in sexual acts
• Making people afraid, stressed, or anxious through violent or erratic behaviors
• Tricking people into giving them money or valuables

3. Destruction of property

Vandalism, fire starting, and intentionally destroying property is common in people with conduct disorder. These behaviors could start with minor offenses before growing into more serious crimes as time goes on.

4. Deceitfulness

Children with conduct disorder often lie, steal, and actively deceive others. They may break into someone’s home or car, manipulate others to get what they want, or steal from stores or businesses.

5. Serious violation of rules

A child with conduct disorder may violate established rules in the home, at school, or in their community. Even if they have a clear understanding of what’s expected of them, they will still choose to do whatever they wish.

How to support a child with conduct disorder

Supporting a child with conduct disorder is essential but can be taxing on their family. If you have a child in your life who has conduct disorder, try to offer:

• Love and understanding: Children need adults to come from a place of support and acceptance, rather than anger and blaming.
• Consistent rules, boundaries, and consequences: Adults should establish clear and consistent expectations to shape the child’s reactions.
• Close supervision: Children with these symptoms may act out with too much freedom, so maintaining supervision can reduce unwanted behaviors.
• Engagement in a variety of healthy, social activities: Healthy social activities can encourage wanted behaviors.
• Specialized schooling and academic settings: Alternative schooling options may have the resources to better meet your child’s needs.
• A positive friend network: A social network with responsible people who tend to follow the rules can limit negative behaviors.
• Professional mental health treatment: Starting treatment early can create a more positive impact.

Professional treatment options

The most effective treatment for conduct disorder in children is working with a professional therapist. It’s possible to manage the symptoms of this condition, but remember that consistency is important.

Some treatments used to improve conduct disorder include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A therapy that addresses a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to improve symptoms and happiness
• Anger management: Used alone or in conjunction with another treatment to lower the risk of violence and aggression
• Social skills training: A group of skill-building techniques that focus on assertive communication, listening skills, and mindfulness
• Family therapy: Treatment that focuses on creating well-being for the entire family through building coping skills and practicing communication 

In some situations, providers may offer medications for conduct disorder, but these may not address conduct disorder symptoms directly. Instead, they may focus on reducing symptoms like impulsivity and inattention. They can also help with co-occurring conditions, like depression or anxiety.

What causes conduct disorder?

Conduct disorder does not have a single cause. But experts believe that a combination of risk factors could increase a child’s risk of developing the condition.

Some potential risk factors for conduct disorder include:

• Brain damage
• Social problems
• Lack of supervision
• Exposure to violence
• Traumatic experiences, including abuse
• Rejection, neglect, or harsh discipline from parents

Long-term outlook

Even with the best mental healthcare, some children with conduct disorder will become adults with antisocial personality disorder. They may face issues with incarceration, homelessness, violence, and relationship problems throughout their lives. Though negatives may accompany these conditions, professional care is available to lessen the risks and improve well-being.

The long-term outlook of conduct disorder is driven by the short-term reactions of a child’s family and community. When family members take action early and follow through with consistency, there’s a better chance of progress.

Find care with Rula

Conduct disorder in children can be an impactful condition that may shift and evolve over time. In the most serious situations, the symptoms of conduct disorder will grow and worsen through adulthood. However, with a supportive family and access to comprehensive mental healthcare, it’s possible to manage conduct disorder symptoms. 

Although it’s never too late to seek treatment, starting treatment as early as possible can create a great opportunity for success. And Rula can help with treatment options every step of the way. 

Rula’s therapist-matching platform that can match you with a provider who accepts your insurance in just a few clicks. And, our extensive network of therapists means you can schedule a convenient online appointment as soon as tomorrow. 

Get started with Rula today

Find child and pediatric therapists near you

Aurora, IL – Cape Coral, FL – Durham, NC – El Paso, TX – Fayetteville, NC – Fort Worth, TX – Fresno, CA – Greensboro, NC – Joliet, IL – Miami, FL