ommunity resources such as parenting classes, therapy services, and educational workshops can equip families with the tools and knowledge needed to support their child with conduct disorder effectively.

Counselling, Support Groups, and Community ResourcesSEMH symptoms

Counselling can play a crucial role in the treatment of children and adolescents with conduct disorder. Professional therapists can provide a safe space for young individuals to express their feelings, learn coping strategies, and develop healthier behaviours. Through one-on-one sessions, therapists can work with the child to address underlying issues contributing to their conduct disorder and guide them towards positive change.

Support groups offer a valuable sense of community and understanding for families affected by conduct disorder. By connecting with others facing similar challenges, parents and caregivers can share experiences, exchange advice, and find comfort in knowing they are not alone. Community resources, such as parent education workshops and online forums, can also provide valuable information and support for families navigating the complexities of conduct disorder.

Differentiating Conduct Disorder from Other Behavioural Disorders

Conduct disorder is often confused with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and antisocial personality disorder (APD) due to overlapping symptoms, but they are distinct conditions with different implications. While ODD involves persistent patterns of anger, irritability, and defiance towards authority figures, conduct disorder encompasses more severe and pervasive behavioural problems. Children and adolescents with conduct disorder exhibit aggression towards people and animals, violation of rules and norms, and deceitfulness or theft.

On the other hand, antisocial personality disorder is typically diagnosed in adulthood and is characterised by a disregard for the rights of others, lack of empathy, and a history of conduct disorder symptoms during childhood. The key difference between conduct disorder and antisocial personality disorder lies in the age of onset and the longevity of problematic behaviours. While conduct disorder manifests during childhood or adolescence, antisocial personality disorder develops in adulthood and is associated with long-standing patterns of irresponsibility and disregard for societal norms.

on, affecting around 2-10% of children and adolescents. It is more prevalent in boys than girls, with onset typically occurring during childhood or adolescence.

What are the potential causes of conduct disorder?

The exact causes of conduct disorder are not fully understood, but a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors is believed to contribute to its development. Factors such as a history of abuse, neglect, or family conflict may increase the risk of developing conduct disorder.