Conduct disorder is a term used for a group of behaviour or emotional challenges in children and teens. Many children make mistakes or break rules sometimes. Conduct disorder is outside of typical childhood behaviour. With conduct disorder, the behaviour happens often and does not improve over time. Children and teens with this condition may act without thinking (be impulsive), take risks, have trouble with managing strong emotions, have trouble following rules, and have trouble with authority. They can be labelled “bad”, “troubled”, or “delinquent”, but this condition is a mental illness.
To diagnose conduct disorder in children and teens, healthcare professionals will look at patterns of behaviour, how long the behaviours have been happening, and the impact of the behaviours. They look for behaviours in children and teens including:
- Consistent pattern of defiance and serious violation of rules.
- Not feeling bad or guilty when they do something wrong.
- Often bullies, threatens, or intimidates others.
- Often initiates physical fights (possibly with a weapon).
- Being cruel to people or to animals.
- Stealing, including shoplifting and mugging.
- Deliberately destroying other people's property.
- Setting fires.
- Breaking into other people's houses or cars, or other buildings.
- Lying to stay out of trouble or to get things or favours.
- Forcing someone into sexual activity.
- Running away from home.
- Frequently skipping school.
This condition is complex and challenging, but it can be treated. It's important that a child or teen has a psychiatric evaluation to get a diagnosis and develop a plan for treatment. Early treatment offers the best chance. Treatment can help children build on their strengths and learn new skills like managing emotions, understanding others (empathy), positive problem solving, and improved communication.
Family counselling to strengthen parenting skills is a necessary part of treatment. It can help you with your own feelings. It can also teach you how to best support your child. Family support groups can be helpful for parents, caregivers, and siblings.
Home care
Here is what parents, guardians, or caregivers can do at home:
- Work closely with your child's teachers and the school's mental health staff. Develop a team (teacher, principal, psychologist, mental health provider, social worker, or nurse) to help both your child and your family work through your child's behaviours.
- Talk about the difference between right and wrong behaviours. Model appropriate behaviour.
- Focus on important issues like safety concerns. Don't overreact to minor things.
- Hold your ground. Have strong and consistent boundaries and expectations with your child or teen.
- Listen to your child and acknowledge their emotions, such as anger. Try saying things like, "It sounds like you're really angry about that...". Realize that there are some things that you won't ever agree on. Allow for that.
- Practice a healthy lifestyle to support good mental health. Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and good sleep habits may help.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's doctor, or as advised. Stay in good communication with your child's school. You can then make changes in treatment as soon as needed.
Call or text 988 in a crisis
If your child talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away.
- Call or text 988: Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline any time, day or night.
- Children and teens can call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868. Visit kidshelpphone.ca for more information.
When to contact your child's doctor
Contact your child's doctor right away if:
- Your child has become a danger to themself or others.
- Your child has become more aggressive.
- Your child is cruel to animals.
- Your child is expelled from school.
