Child Psychiatrist Perspective on Conduct Disorder
As a parent, noticing persistent defiance, aggression, or rule-breaking in your child can feel overwhelming. Cadabams CDC brings you the most up-to-date child psychiatrist perspective on conduct disorder—what it is, how it’s diagnosed, and how proven treatment can restore calm at home and success at school.
Understanding Conduct Disorder from a Child Psychiatrist's View
What is Conduct Disorder?
Conduct Disorder (CD) is a serious behavioural condition in which a child repeatedly violates the rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms. Unlike occasional mischief, the behaviours are:
- Severe and persistent
- Present in multiple settings (home, school, community)
- Linked to long-term risks such as academic failure, substance misuse, or legal issues
Signs and Symptoms Child Psychiatrists Look For
Child psychiatrists watch for four core symptom clusters:
- Aggression to people or animals
- Frequent bullying, fights, cruelty
- Destruction of property
- Deliberate fire-setting, vandalism
- Deceitfulness or theft
- Breaking and entering, conning others
- Serious rule violations
- Truancy before age 13, running away overnight
Behaviours must last at least 12 months with multiple incidents in the past 6 months.
How Child Psychiatrists Diagnose Conduct Disorder
Our assessment process is parent-friendly and child-centred:
- Structured clinical interview with parents and child
- Standardised rating scales (e.g., Conners, SDQ)
- Teacher and school reports to confirm cross-setting issues
- Medical rule-out for ADHD, trauma, or learning disorders
Why Choose Our Child Psychiatrists for Conduct Disorder
Specialized Expertise in Child Mental Health
- Board-certified child & adolescent psychiatrists with 20+ years of combined experience
- Daily caseload dedicated to disruptive behaviour disorders
- Ongoing training in global best-practice guidelines
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Parent Management Training (PMT)
- Medication optimisation only when necessary
- Regular outcome tracking with standardised tools
Collaborative Care with Schools and Families
- Monthly school visits or virtual teacher consults
- Shared care plans that teachers and parents can implement together
- 24/7 parent helpline for crises or questions
Comprehensive Services Offered
Initial Psychiatric Evaluation
- 90-minute detailed session
- Diagnostic clarification and personalised roadmap
Individual Therapy Sessions
- Weekly 45-minute CBT or DBT-informed therapy
- Focus on impulse control, empathy-building, and problem-solving
Family Therapy and Parent Training
- 10-session PMT program proven to reduce oppositional behaviour by 50–60% within 16 weeks
- Sibling support modules available
School-Based Interventions
- Classroom behaviour charts
- Social-skills coaching during recess
- Teacher training workshops
Medication Management When Needed
- Stimulants for co-occurring ADHD
- Atypical antipsychotics for severe aggression (short-term, closely monitored)
- Quarterly review to taper or continue as needed
Our Treatment Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Conduct Disorder
- Stop-Think-Act chain analysis
- Anger thermometers and coping cards
- Role-play for peer conflict resolution
Parent Management Training Programs
- Triple P (Positive Parenting Program)
- PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy)
- Real-time coaching via ear-bug during home sessions
Social Skills Development
- Weekly group sessions (max 6 children)
- Topics: sharing, turn-taking, assertiveness without aggression
Anger Management Techniques
- Deep-breathing “bubble” exercises
- Guided imagery to reduce fight-or-flight response
- Identifying triggers using personalised anger maps
Academic Support Strategies
- Individual Education Plan (IEP) collaboration
- Extra time for exams if frustration-based outbursts
- Peer-tutoring to rebuild confidence
Success Stories and Outcomes
Real Parent Testimonials
“After 12 weeks with Cadabams CDC, our son’s school suspensions dropped from 5 per term to zero. The parent training gave us the exact words to use during meltdowns.” – Mrs Rao, mother of 9-year-old Arjun
Measurable Improvements We See
- 65% reduction in aggressive incidents (charted over 6 months)
- 2-grade improvement in reading levels after behaviour stabilised
- Parent stress index falls by an average of 30%
Long-term Follow-up Care
- Booster sessions every 3–6 months
- Alumni parent support group meets monthly
- Transition planning for adolescence and adulthood