Conduct Disorder vs Genetic Gait Disorder | Cadabams CDC

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1. Quick Comparison: Conduct Disorder vs Genetic Gait Disorder

Comparison Table

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2. What Is Conduct Disorder?

Core Symptoms & DSM-5 Criteria

Conduct Disorder is a persistent pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others or age-appropriate societal rules. To meet DSM-5 criteria, a child must show:

• At least 3 symptoms in the past 12 months and 1 in the past 6 months, such as:
  • Bullying or intimidation
  • Physical fights or cruelty to people/animals
  • Destroying property
  • Lying or theft
  • Serious rule violations (running away, skipping school)

Genetic Influences: Twin & Family Studies

Research indicates 40–50% heritability for Conduct Disorder. Twin studies reveal that identical twins show a higher concordance rate than fraternal twins, highlighting a strong genetic predisposition alongside environmental triggers.

Gene-Environment Interplay & Maltreatment

Genetic predispositions increase risk, but environmental factors trigger the condition. Children with certain gene variants (e.g., MAOA) and a history of neglect, abuse, or harsh parenting face the greatest risk. Early intervention, such as Parent Management Training (PMT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can reverse adverse trajectories.

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3. Understanding Genetic or Hereditary Gait Disorders

Types of Hereditary Gait Disorders

• Hereditary Ataxias:
  • Loss of balance
  • Wide-based gait
  • Speech changes
• Spastic Gait Disorders:
  • Stiff legs
  • Toe walking
  • Scissoring thighs
• Muscular Dystrophies:
  • Waddling gait
  • Calf muscle enlargement

Genetic Markers & Inheritance Patterns

• Autosomal Dominant:
  • 50% chance each child inherits (e.g., Spinocerebellar Ataxia types)
• Autosomal Recessive:
  • 25% risk when both parents carry a mutation
• X-Linked:
  • More common in boys (e.g., Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy)

Signs Parents Notice First

• Frequent trips or falls
• Walking on tiptoes or heels
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Complaints of "tired legs" after short walks

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4. Key Differences & Diagnostic Overlap

Behavioral vs Motor Red Flags

• Red-flag behavior:
  • Setting fires
  • Cruelty to pets
• Red-flag movement:
  • Sudden loss of balance
  • Constant stumbling

Assessment Tools We Use

Cadabams CDC employs multidisciplinary evaluations:

• Psychological:
  • Conners-3
  • CBCL
  • Forensic interview
• Neurologic:
  • MRI
  • EMG
  • Whole-exome sequencing
• Functional:
  • 3-D gait analysis
  • Physiotherapy screen

When Both Conditions Co-Exist

Roughly 8–12% of children with severe gait disorders develop secondary behavior issues due to frustration or social exclusion. Our integrated care plans address both motor skills and emotional regulation.

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5. Our Evidence-Based Therapies

Conduct Disorder Treatment Plans

• Parent Management Training (PMT):
  • 12-week program proven to reduce oppositional behavior by 50–70%
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
  • Focused on anger replacement and problem-solving skills
• School Consultation:
  • IEP/504 plans
  • Teacher coaching

Gait Disorder Rehab Programs

• Robotic Gait Training:
  • Lokomat for spasticity reduction
• Strength & Balance Exercises:
  • Weekly physiotherapy sessions
• Orthotic Support:
  • Custom AFOs to improve alignment

Family & School Integration

• Family therapy to improve communication
• Teacher workshops on classroom accommodations
• Sibling support groups to reduce caregiver stress

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6. Success Stories

Before & After Behavioral Gains

• Arjun, 9 years old:
  • Before: Daily fights at school, expelled twice.
  • After (6 months of PMT and CBT): Classroom aggression dropped from 5 incidents/week to 0. Parents reported: "We have our playful child back."

Motor Milestone Achievements

• Meher, 5 years old:
  • Diagnosis: Hereditary spastic paraplegia, unable to walk 10 m without falling.
  • After (9 months of robotic training and ankle-foot orthotics): Now walks 200 m independently and joins playground games.

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