Psy 275 - Disorder of Interest Paper

Disorder of Interest Paper

Wanda Parker

PSY 275

Kristi Collins

February 22, 2016

Disorder of Interest Paper

        Conduct disorder is grouped into two categories including childhood onset and adolescent onset.  Childhood onset occurs before the age of 10 with the presence of one conduct disorder, and adolescent onset occurs beyond the age of 10. “Conduct disorder (CD) is defined as a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others or in which major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated” (Frick, 2012, p. 378). Due to the behavioral issues associated with conduct disorder it can be easily confused as simply having behavioral problems normally associated with childhood and adolescence. Much like behavioral problems, children dealing with conduct disorder will show signs of rebellion or acting out. Adolescent will also show signs of rebellion, question authority, and test limits. When these behaviors become repetitive the need to seek help becomes more apparent because they can lead to more serious behaviors such as criminal activity and drug use. Conduct disorder can also lead to Antisocial Personality Disorder in adults and can be linked to people considered to be psychopaths. Conduct disorder can impair many aspects of a person’s life including their work, social, and educational abilities. There is not one specific event that can cause the disorder but rather many possible causes. It has been proven that genetic, environmental, neurobiological, psychological and social influences contribute to the onset of conduct disorders in both children and adolescence.

Causes of Conduct Disorder

        One possible cause of conduct disorder is genetics. It has been said that the presence of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental disorders in parents or close relatives increases the chance of conduct disorder being passed on to future generations. In a biological argument it was found that young children with conduct disorder have abnormalities in their autonomic nervous system and neurological abnormalities compared to children without Conduct Disorder (Karnik, McMullin, & Steiner, 2006). These abnormalities may be the result of poor prenatal care, low birth weight, and smoking or alcohol use by the mother. Environmental factors such as the environment an individual is raised in can also influence the onset of the disorder.  Experiences in the social environment such as mental and physical abuse, traumatic experiences, sexual abuse, parental involvement, and family structure are some of the social influences of conduct disorder. “Parent-child conflict, parental hostility, coercion, rejection, neglect, and inconsistency have all been found to be predictive of behavior related to CD” (Karnik, McMullin, & Steiner, 2006, p. 103).  Last but not least, the way a person’s personality, attitude, and psychological development changes overtime influences their behavior and can encourage behavior changes.

Behaviors

        “The Surgeon General’s report on mental health notes that specific aggressive behaviors demonstrated by adolescent with CD include fighting, bullying, physical assault, intimidation, sexual coercion, and setting fires” (Karnik, p. 101).  The use of weapons including bats, knives, guns, or bricks may be used to cause fear and harm to victims. Criminal behavior and delinquent behavior in parents or peers has also been known to influence criminal or delinquent behavior in adolescent diagnosed with conduct disorder. Mccabe, Rodgers, Yeh, & Hough (2004) In an attempt to provide supporting evidence regarding conduct disorder in males and females, Frick and Silverthorn suggested that young males exhibit more delinquent behavior than girls in childhood and the gap narrows as they get older. Conduct disorder may present different behaviors in males and females. The way they act out their aggressions are different. Males tend to act out their aggression with anger and violence. Females tend to exhibit behaviors that are not so aggressive or violent. During adolescence delinquent behavior in females increases at a more rapid rate than it does in males. One reason females exhibit more delinquent behavior than males is because females are more likely to be victims of sexual abuse as a child. Other behaviors that are associated with conduct disorder is running away from home, vandalizing or destroying property (setting things on fire), lying, stealing, shoplifting, and aggression towards animals.

Implications on Society

        If conduct disorder is left untreated it can have detrimental implications on society. People with conduct disorder may be socially impaired as adults. They may have trouble communicating, making connections with people, and simply functioning in society. There is an increased possibility of developing Antisocial Personality Disorder.  Studies have shown that 30% to 50% of adults with onset Conduct Disorder in childhood will go on to develop Antisocial Personality Disorder, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and somatoform disorders as adults. Antisocial personality disorder is a serious diagnosis in youth that are antisocial. APD also increases the risk for suicide, substance abuse, unemployment, homelessness, violence, and crime. People with the disorder do not respond properly to treatment (Le Corff & Toupin, p. 864).  During the school age years, they may have trouble learning and exhibit behavioral problems.         

Treatment

        Treatment for conduct disorder depends on the severity of the disorder.  For children that have a less severe case, cognitive-behavioral therapy may be all they need. Teaching them how to express themselves in a positive manner instead of through anger and violence may help them manage the disorder. For children whose conduct disorder is more severe and causes disruptions in their lives and their family’s life, family therapy is often recommended. Family therapy can help deal with issues within the household that may be contributing to the child’s conduct disorder. Evans (2010) Involving the parents in treatment can be as challenging as involving the child. Parents are sometimes reluctant to acknowledge their contribution to their child’s disorder. There are several programs available to parents that strive to achieve the same goal of teaching the parents to gain control, monitor their children’s behavior, be more attentive, and encourage their children instead of being negative. Peer-therapy may be used to teach the child how to communicate and interact with others. It also teaches them how to build future relationships. Other approaches to treatment include behavior therapy, parent training, and the last resort is pharmacotherapy. In cases where nothing seems to work medications may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of the disorder. Stimulant and antidepressants may be prescribed in these cases.