Conduct Disorder: Disorder Causes and Treatment

Conduct Disorder is a very serious emotional and Behavioral Disorder in children and teens in which the child displays a pattern of disruptive, violent behavior and refuses to adhere to rules, blatantly demonstrates disrespect toward authority, and violates the rights of others. At one time, it was believed that this disorder developed almost exclusively from the need these children and teens felt to imitate badly-behaved peers.

Is It Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Conduct Disorder? 

New conclusions through studying the brain have proven otherwise. Studies have shown that children and teens with Conduct Disorder, as well as adults with Antisocial Personality Disorder, exhibit clear patterns of difference in brain structure and brain function than other children, teens, and adults without this disorder.

Does my child have Conduct Disorder?

These differences may be the result of a brain function defect from birth, or they may be caused by a traumatic brain injury. Either way, Conduct Disorder is a Behavioral Disorder that has been linked to particular brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that are out of balance. These chemicals help nerve cells communicate with one another, and when not functioning properly and remain out of balance, symptoms of many different disorders may develop. For those with Conduct Disorder, it is common to have one or more co-morbid condition, such as AD/HD, Learning Disability, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, or Addiction.

Additionally, youth with Conduct Disorder show changes in grey matter in the amygdala and the insula, as well as in other areas of the limbic system, responsible for emotional comprehension and expression. This adds further understanding as to why those with this disorder are typically unable to show empathy, recognize danger, or perceive emotions in people.

Do Medications Work?

There are no medications which are formally approved for the treatment of Conduct Disorder, but most of these children and teens are on medications to treat the co-morbid symptoms they experience, including depression, anxiety, AD/HD, or other co-morbid disorders.

Dallas Brain Changers

Dallas Brain Changers embraces the goal to help families struggling with Behavioral Disorder, including Conduct Disorder, find increased hope and healing. Through neurofeedback therapy, the brain heals and the child gains an increased ability to control his or her responses and behaviors. In counseling sessions, unhealthy behavior patterns are identified and addressed, and healthier options are established and practiced. Through family counseling, parents and children learn healthier ways to communicate and interact. These children begin to feel empowered to make healthy choices, and we consistently witness families become hopeful, happier, and more peaceful.

With the ongoing promising results of neurofeedback therapy utilized in conjunction with counseling, Conduct Disorder children and families continue to realize the hope that healing is not only possible, but it is expected!

Call us today to begin the path toward increased health and healing! We are waiting for your call!

Talk to a professional today! 214-997-4990

CHANGING BRAINS. CHANGING LIVES.

More than 25 years experience helping people just like you

Dr. Stephanie Golder, MA, ThD, Stephen Minister, Hemispheric Life Coach

Mindy Fritz, MS, LCDC, BCN