Conduct Disorder in Teens | Cadabam’s Child Development Center

What is Conduct Disorder in Teens?

Definition and key characteristics

Conduct Disorder (CD) is a repetitive, persistent pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others or age-appropriate societal norms. Core traits include:

• Aggression toward people or animals
• Destruction of property
• Deceitfulness or theft
• Serious violations of rules (e.g., truancy, running away)

These behaviors last at least 12 months and cause significant impairment at home, school, or in social settings.

How it differs from normal teenage rebellion

Typical teen defiance is sporadic and situational. CD, by contrast, is:

• Chronic (lasting months or years)
• Severe (actions can lead to police involvement)
• Lacking remorse (the teen shows little guilt or empathy)

Long-term consequences if untreated

Without help, teens with CD face:

• Academic failure or expulsion
• Substance-use disorders
• Criminal records
• Strained family relationships
• Higher risk of adult antisocial personality disorder

Early treatment at Cadabams CDC can interrupt this cycle.

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Signs Your Teen May Have Conduct Disorder

Behavioral red flags to watch for

• Frequent physical fights or bullying
• Cruelty to animals
• Deliberate fire-setting or vandalism
• Chronic lying or shoplifting
• Truancy beginning before age 13

Emotional symptoms often overlooked

• Persistent irritability or anger
• Lack of empathy for victims
• Shallow emotions masked by bravado
• Low self-esteem hidden behind defiance

Impact on school and relationships

• Falling grades and disciplinary referrals
• Suspension or expulsion threats
• Loss of childhood friendships
• Increased conflict with siblings and parents

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Our Specialized Treatment Approach

Comprehensive diagnostic assessment

Every journey at Cadabams CDC starts with a 360-degree evaluation:

• Clinical interviews with teen and parents
• Standardized rating scales (e.g., SNAP-IV, Conners)
• School observation or teacher questionnaires
• Medical rule-out for ADHD, trauma, or mood disorders

Individual therapy techniques

We tailor evidence-based modalities to each teen:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – challenges hostile attributions
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – builds emotional regulation
• Anger-management skills training – role-plays and coping plans
• Social-problem-solving therapy – teaches non-aggressive responses

Family-centered interventions

Parents are partners, not bystanders:

• Parent-Management Training (PMT) – proven to reduce oppositional behavior by up to 70 %
• Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) – addresses family, school, and peer systems
• Communication coaching – rebuilds trust through structured dialogues

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Treatment Programs We Offer

Outpatient therapy sessions

• Weekly 45- to 60-minute individual sessions
• Flexible after-school and weekend slots
• Parent check-ins every 2–3 weeks

Intensive family program

• 2-week immersive track (3–4 hours daily)
• Group sessions with other families
• Real-time coaching during home visits

School collaboration services

• IEP/504 plan advocacy
• Teacher workshops on classroom de-escalation
• On-site counselor shadowing to ensure skill transfer

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Meet Our Expert Team

Child psychiatrists

Board-certified specialists who evaluate medication needs and co-occurring conditions like ADHD or depression.

Clinical psychologists

Doctoral-level clinicians trained in CBT, DBT, and trauma-focused therapy for teens.

Specialized therapists

Licensed counselors with additional certification in PMT and MST, ensuring every family receives evidence-based care.

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Success Stories

Before and after scenarios

Arjun, 15 – Frequent fights, three suspensions. After six months of CBT + PMT, zero physical altercations and improved GPA from 55 % to 78 %.

Meera, 14 – Chronic shoplifting, runaway episodes. Intensive family program restored trust; no police contact in 18 months.

Parent testimonials

“Cadabams CDC taught us how to set limits without yelling. Our home feels peaceful again.” – Mrs. Rao, mother of 13-year-old

Teen perspectives

“I didn’t think anyone understood me. Therapy helped me see how my anger hurt people I love.” – Karthik, 16

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Getting Started: What to Expect

First consultation process

1. Phone intake – 15-minute screening call
2. Face-to-face assessment – 90 minutes with teen and parents
3. Feedback session – diagnosis, goals, and roadmap within 48 hours

Assessment timeline

• Initial evaluation: 1–2 visits
• Full report: within 5 working days
• Treatment start: within 1 week of acceptance