Conduct Disorder Hospital Services | Cadabam’s Child Development Center
Does your child’s anger, deceit, or rule-breaking feel overwhelming? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to manage it alone. At Cadabam’s Child Development Center (Cadabams CDC), our Conduct Disorder Hospital services combine compassion with science to help children and families regain peace, safety, and hope.
What Is Conduct Disorder in Children?
Definition & Key Characteristics
Conduct Disorder (CD) is a mental health condition marked by a persistent pattern of behaviour that violates the rights of others or age-appropriate societal norms. It goes beyond "being naughty"; it’s a serious, diagnosable disorder that responds best to early, structured treatment.
Types of Problematic Behaviours
- Aggressive: Bullying, fighting, cruelty to animals or people.
- Destructive: Deliberate fire-setting, vandalism.
- Deceitful: Lying, shoplifting, conning others.
- Rule Violations: Chronic truancy, running away, staying out late despite clear rules.
Recognising Symptoms of Conduct Disorder
Early Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For
Look for behaviours that appear before age 10 and last at least 12 months:
- Frequent temper tantrums escalating to physical aggression.
- Blaming others for mistakes without remorse.
- Consistent defiance of adult requests at home and school.
- Cruelty to pets or younger siblings.
Age-Specific Symptom Checklist
| Age 5–12 | Age 13–17 |
|---|---|
| Lying about homework | Shoplifting or breaking into homes |
| Destroying toys or property | Vandalism, car theft |
| Bullying classmates | Gang involvement |
| Fire-setting "for fun" | Substance use alongside rule-breaking |
If two or more signs are present for six-plus months, it's time to seek professional guidance.
Causes & Risk Factors Behind Conduct Disorder
Biological & Genetic Influences
- Family history of ADHD or antisocial personality disorder.
- Neurotransmitter imbalances affecting impulse control.
- Low resting heart rate linked to stimulation-seeking behaviour.
Environmental Triggers
- Family: Harsh discipline, inconsistent parenting, domestic violence.
- School: Bullying experiences, academic failure, poor teacher–child bond.
- Peer Group: Association with delinquent friends, social rejection.
Identifying these factors helps us tailor treatment at our Conduct Disorder Hospital.
How We Diagnose Conduct Disorder
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Process
- Intake Interview: Parents share developmental, medical, and behavioural history.
- Clinical Observation: Specialists interact with the child in play, classroom, and group settings.
- Collateral Reports: Teachers and caregivers complete standardised rating scales.
- DSM-5 Criteria Check: We confirm at least three persistent behaviours across 12 months.
Tools & Assessments Used
- Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL).
- Conners 4 for co-existing ADHD.
- K-SADS interview to rule out mood disorders.
- Functional Behaviour Analysis to map triggers and consequences.
Evidence-Based Treatment Programs Offered
Individual Behaviour Therapy
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Teaches anger management and problem-solving.
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Builds distress-tolerance skills for teens.
- Token Economy: Immediate rewards for prosocial actions.
Parent Management Training
- 12-session PMT group run by our child psychologists.
- Live coaching via secure video during home routines.
- Weekly progress graphs to celebrate small wins.
School Collaboration & Social Skills Groups
- Teacher training on de-escalation techniques.
- In-classroom shadowing by our therapists.
- PeerSocial™ Groups: 8-week curriculum teaching empathy and negotiation.
All programs are delivered in our child-friendly inpatient wings and outpatient clinics, ensuring continuity of care.
Why Choose Cadabam’s Child Development Center?
Multidisciplinary Team of Child Psychiatrists & Psychologists
Led by board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists, our team includes clinical psychologists, special educators, occupational therapists, and psychiatric social workers—all under one roof.
Safe, Child-Friendly In-Patient & Out-Patient Facilities
- Secure, non-restrictive units with 24/7 nursing.
- Sensory rooms for emotional regulation.
- Outdoor play areas to practise social skills in real time.
Proven Track Record in Managing Conduct Disorders
Over 500 families have completed our programs, with 81% reporting significant behavioural improvement six months post-discharge (internal outcome study, 2023).
Our Admission Process
Step 1: Initial Phone Consultation
- Book online. Our intake coordinator answers questions and schedules a no-cost 15-minute screening.
Step 2: In-Person Assessment
- Bring previous school reports and medical records.
- Your child engages in structured play and interview sessions while parents meet the team.
Step 3: Personalised Treatment Plan & Commencement
- Within 48 hours, we share a written plan covering therapy, schooling, and family goals.
- Inpatient admission can start the same day if required.