Conduct Disorder Guide for Parents | Cadabam’s Child Development Center
Is your child showing repeated aggression, deceit, or serious rule-breaking that feels “beyond normal mischief”? You are not alone. This Conduct Disorder parent guide walks you through what the diagnosis means, why it happens, and exactly how Cadabams CDC helps families turn things around—starting today.
What Is Conduct Disorder?
Key Symptoms Parents Should Know
Look for a persistent pattern (12+ months) of at least three of the following:
- Aggression to people or animals (bullying, fighting, cruelty)
- Destruction of property (fire-setting, vandalism)
- Deceitfulness or theft (lying for gain, shoplifting)
- Serious violations of rules (truancy, running away nightly, staying out past curfew before age 13) These behaviours impair daily life at home, school, or in the community.
DSM-5 Criteria in Plain Language
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (5th edition) labels Conduct Disorder when:
- Behaviours are severe, repetitive, and not due to temporary stress.
- Symptoms start before age 16 (early-onset ≤10 or adolescent-onset ≥11).
- Functional impairment is clear—grades drop, friendships fade, or legal warnings start.
How Conduct Disorder Differs from ODD and ADHD
| Feature | Conduct Disorder | Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) | ADHD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core problem | Violates others’ rights & major rules | Defiance & arguing without harm | Inattention & impulsivity |
| Typical age | 6–16 | 3–12 | Early childhood |
| Aggression toward people | Yes—physical cruelty | Verbal hostility | Rare |
| Property destruction | Common | Rare | Rare |
| Need to rule out | Yes—must exclude ODD, ADHD | Yes | Yes |
Who Is at Risk?
Genetic and Environmental Factors
- Family history of antisocial behaviour or substance use raises risk.
- Neurobiological factors—lower resting heart rate, atypical amygdala response.
- Parenting style—harsh discipline mixed with low warmth.
Impact of Childhood Trauma
- Physical abuse, neglect, or witnessing domestic violence triples risk.
- Chronic community violence (unsafe neighbourhoods) normalises aggression.
Signs More Common in Girls vs Boys
- Girls: Relational aggression—spreading rumours, social exclusion, early sexual behaviour.
- Boys: Direct physical fights, vandalism, cruelty to animals.
How Conduct Disorder Affects Home & School
Bullying and Peer Conflicts
- Peers may reject or fear your child, shrinking the friend circle.
- Victims of bullying sometimes flip roles, using force to regain control.
Academic Disruptions
- Frequent detentions or suspensions reduce learning time.
- Teachers report difficulty concentrating due to defiance or classroom outbursts.
Legal or Disciplinary Risks
- Early contact with police—shoplifting, property damage.
- School expulsion or juvenile court involvement without timely help.
Proven Treatment Options
Evidence-Based Therapies (CBT, DBT, MST)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Teaches problem-solving, anger control.
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Emotion-regulation skills for adolescents.
- Multisystemic Therapy (MST): Home-based model involving family, school, peers.
Family-Focused Interventions
- Parent Management Training (PMT): Step-by-step strategies for consistent rewards & consequences.
- Family therapy: Improves communication and lowers conflict.
When Medication May Help
- Not first-line, but stimulants or mood stabilisers may reduce aggression if ADHD or severe irritability coexist.
- Always combined with therapy and monitored by a child psychiatrist.
Step-by-Step Process to Start at Cadabams
Book a Consultation
- Call +91-123-456-7890 or fill the online form—first appointment within 48 hrs.
Diagnostic Assessment Overview
- Clinical interview with parents and child.
- Standardised tools: CSI-4, Conners-3 to rule out ADHD, ODD.
- School report cards & teacher checklists included.
Personalised Treatment Plan Delivery
- Within one week receive a customised plan: therapy type, session frequency, parent-skills dates.
- Progress dashboard updated every 4 weeks—see improvements in real time.
Parent Support & Resources
Weekly Parent Skills Training
- 90-minute sessions every Saturday—role-play, homework, Q&A.
- Evidence-based manuals provided free.
Support Groups Near You
- Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi—meet other parents, share wins & setbacks.
- Virtual group also available on Zoom every Tuesday 7 pm IST.
Downloadable Behaviour Tracker
- Simple 1-page chart to log triggers, behaviour, and consequence.
- Download link sent instantly after registration.