Conduct Disorder (CD) Treatment at Cadabam’s Child Development Center
Does your child’s outbursts, rule-breaking, or aggression feel overwhelming? You are not alone. Conduct Disorder (CD) affects 2–10 % of school-aged children, yet early, expert help changes lives. At Cadabams CDC, our multidisciplinary team partners with parents to restore hope and harmony through evidence-based Conduct Disorder (CD) treatment plans designed for home, school, and community success.
What Is Conduct Disorder (CD)?
Definition and DSM-5 Criteria
Conduct Disorder (CD) is a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms are violated. The DSM-5 lists four symptom clusters, with at least three present in the past 12 months and one in the past 6 months:
- Aggression to people and animals
- Destruction of property
- Deceitfulness or theft
- Serious violations of rules
Symptoms must cause clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
CD vs. ODD vs. ADHD: Key Differences
| Disorder | Core Feature | Typical Age | Typical Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| CD | Violation of others’ rights | 10+ years | Cruelty, theft, truancy |
| ODD | Defiance & hostility | Preschool – 8 | Arguing, spitefulness |
| ADHD | Inattention & impulsivity | Any age | Fidgeting, interrupting |
Prevalence and Age of Onset
- Onset: Childhood type (before 10) vs. Adolescent type (after 10)
- Prevalence: 2–10% of boys; 1–4% of girls
- Risk: Early onset predicts greater severity and continuation into adulthood
Signs & Symptoms of CD in Children and Teens
Aggression Toward People and Animals
- Bullying, threatening, or intimidating
- Initiating physical fights
- Cruelty to animals or people
Destruction of Property
- Deliberate fire-setting with intent to cause damage
- Vandalism beyond age-appropriate mischief
Deceitfulness or Theft
- Breaking into someone’s house, building, or car
- Lying to obtain goods or favors
- Stealing items of nontrivial value
Serious Violations of Rules
- Staying out at night despite parental prohibitions (before age 13)
- Running away from home overnight at least twice
- Frequent truancy from school (before age 13)
Parent Tip: If these behaviors occur together for more than six months, seek a comprehensive diagnostic process early.
Causes & Risk Factors
Genetic and Neurobiological Influences
- Heritability: 40–50% of risk is genetic
- Neurotransmitters: Low serotonin and altered dopamine pathways
- Brain imaging: Reduced activity in prefrontal areas responsible for impulse control
Family Environment and Parenting Style
- Harsh, inconsistent discipline
- Low supervision and warmth
- Parental mental illness or substance use
Peer Pressure and School Factors
- Association with deviant peers
- Academic failure leading to frustration and defiance
- Large, under-resourced schools with weak behavior management
Comprehensive Diagnostic Process
Clinical Interview & Standardized Rating Scales
- Detailed parent, child, and teacher interviews
- Tools: Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Conners Rating Scale, Eyberg Behavior Inventory
Differential Diagnosis: Ruling Out Other Disorders
- ADHD, ODD, anxiety disorders, substance use, autism spectrum
- Screen for learning disabilities that may masquerade as defiance
Multidisciplinary Team Approach
At Cadabams CDC, our child psychiatrists, psychologists, special educators, and family therapists collaborate in a single location to ensure every voice is heard.
Evidence-Based Treatment Options
Parent Management Training (PMT)
- Weekly coaching sessions
- Techniques: clear commands, praise, time-out, token economies
- Proven to reduce oppositional behavior by 60–70%
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Anger-management modules
- Problem-solving skills training
- Role-play and social-skills rehearsal
School-Based Interventions & IEP Support
- Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP) accommodations
- Teacher consultation and classroom management plans
Medication When Indicated
- FDA-approved: None specifically for CD; used for comorbid ADHD, aggression
- Options: stimulants, atomoxetine, risperidone (short-term)
- Always combined with behavioral therapy
Our Step-by-Step Care Pathway
Step 1: Initial Consultation & Intake
- Book online or call
- Fill digital intake forms at your convenience
Step 2: Comprehensive Assessment
- 90-minute joint session with parents & child
- Cognitive, emotional, academic, and social evaluations
Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan
- Goals, frequency, and mode of therapy decided collaboratively
- Shared with school via secure portal
Step 4: Ongoing Monitoring & Family Support
- Progress reviewed every 4–6 weeks
- 24/7 parent helpline and weekend support groups