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| CONDUCT DISORDERS
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Q:
I recently received a complaint from school that my child is bullying
everyone in school. However, I find him to be very courteous at
home. How do I prevent him from bullying others?
A:
Bullying can be a manifestation of various behaviours for e.g.
attention – seeking behaviour, depression or other behavioural
disorders . Bullying depends on the family upbringing and environment.
If bullying is not properly treated, the child may become a dangerous
person where it may ultimately lead to bullying of the parents.
It
needs to be treated with counseling or psychotherapy.
Q: What are conduct disorders?
A:
Conduct disorders are a group of habitual, socially unacceptable
behaviour patterns which lead to a breach of another person’s
rights or freedom.
Q:
Do conduct disorders run in families?
A: Yes, conduct disorders tend to run in families. Conduct
disorders can eventually develop into adult personality disorders.
Q:
What are the types of conduct disorders?
A:
Conduct disorders can be divided into various types: - Childhood
/ Adolescent.
-
Mild :
Conduct disorders causing minor harm to others like lying, staying
out after dark.
- Moderate
: Stealing without harming, vandalism.
- Severe
:
Forced sex, Physical cruelty, using a weapon, robbing a victim,
breaking and entering.
Q: What is the treatment for conduct disorders?
A:
Isolated episodes usually require no treatment unless they are
of severe variety. Repetitive and persistent conduct disorders
require treatment. Treatment consists of behavioural and family
therapy. Token economy (whereby the child is rewarded for every
desired behaviour) is useful. These rewards should be proportionate
and consistent. It is very important to understand the family
dynamics. Some children may also respond to anti – depressant
therapy.
Q: How would children with conduct disorders behave in adulthood?
A:
Conduct disorders, if ignored, may lead to adult personality disorders.
Early onset conduct disorders may have a worse prognosis. However,
children when treated properly usually have no problems in adulthood.
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Last created on 02-05-2001
Last updated on 18-11-2006
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