Conductive disorder in children: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Conductive disorder is a repetitive or persistent behavior that infringes upon the rights of others or age-appropriate social norms and rules. The diagnosis is based on the history. Treatment with proven efficacy does not exist, and many children require significant monitoring.

The prevalence of conductive disorders (CR) is approximately 10%. There is a disorder, usually in older children and adolescents, more common in boys. In etiology, the complex interaction of hereditary and environmental factors is important. Parents of adolescents with conduct disorder often abuse drugs, commit antisocial behavior, often have a history of ADHD, mood disorders, schizophrenia or antisocial personality disorder. Nevertheless, conduct disorder can occur in children from healthy, healthy families.

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Symptoms of conduction disorders in children

Children and adolescents with conductive disorders lack or lack sensitivity to the feelings and well-being of others, they mistakenly perceive the behavior of others as threatening. They can manifest aggression, bullying and intimidating, threatening or using weapons, performing actions associated with physical violence, or forcing someone to engage in sexual activities, with little or no pity and remorse. In some cases, their aggression and cruelty are directed to animals. These children and adolescents can participate in the destruction of property, deceive and steal. They do not tolerate the dissatisfaction of needs and are often irresponsible, violate the rules and prohibitions of parents (for example, running away from home, often skipping school). Aberrant behavior is different in males and females: boys are prone to fights, acts of vandalism, theft; girls tend to lie, run away and engage in prostitution. Both sexes often have difficulties in school, they are prone to abuse of prohibited drugs. Suicidal thoughts are often encountered, suicidal attempts must be taken seriously.

Conductive disorder is diagnosed if a child or teen shows 3 or more signs in the last 12 months and at least 1 in the last 6 months. Symptoms or actions should be expressed enough to disrupt relationships with others, in school and at work.

Prognosis and treatment of conduction disorders in children

In most cases, the behavior is normal with age, but about 1/3 of the symptoms persist. At the same time, many patients meet the criteria of antisocial personality disorder. Early onset is associated with a worse prognosis. Some develop later mood disorders, somatoform and anxiety disorders, substance-related disorders, and psychotic disorders that begin at a young age. Children and adolescents with conduct disorder are more likely to have physical and other mental illnesses.

Treatment of concomitant disorders with the use of drug therapy and psychotherapy can improve the self-esteem and self-control of the patient and ultimately improve the control of conduct disorder. Moralization and reproaches are ineffective, and they should be avoided. Individual psychotherapy, including cognitive therapy and behavior modification, can be effective. Often only isolation from the environment, discipline and constant behavioral therapy give hope for success.