Children are unpredictable when it comes to behavior. At times, they would happily obey their elders and showcase exemplary behavior, while at other times, they would be aggressive and argue about every little thing! Though it is normal for children to showcase a wide range of emotions, it can sometimes be a sign of something serious that demands attention. Consistent anger and showcase of aggressive behavior, especially around peers, can be connected with intensive disruptive behaviors. When not tackled on time, these behaviors can get intense and lead to externalizing disorders.
In this article, we shall discuss the showcase of defiance and aggressive behavior by children and the causes behind such actions. We shall also talk about what can be done to tackle such behaviors.
Understanding the concept of conduct disorder
Simply put, conduct disorder is associated with behaviors in which the child showcases intense anti-social behavior. Parents, peers, and teachers observe their irresponsible actions and delinquent behavior, including running away from schools or skipping them regularly, not following rules, stealing items from peers, and even harming animals physically for fun. These basic actions are deemed to be disruptive by society and are prohibited. From temper tantrums to the tendency to lie repeatedly and from breaking the rules just for fun to stealing, disruptive behaviors involve them all.
What Leads To Conduct Disorder?
Conduct disorder in children is not as easy as it may sound! It is a tricky situation, and no one can pinpoint a single reason. There is no one cause; instead, multiple factors come together and lead to this situation. If we talk about the biological reason behind the conduct disorder, a lot of experts think the impairment of the brain’s frontal lobe is the reason behind this conduct disorder.
As far as the personal and social reasons associated with conduct disorder, intense physical harm in childhood and rejection from parents are the causes behind it. Alongside this, the lack of parental involvement since childhood makes kids feel neglected, leading to unruly behavior as they grow up.
Examples Of Aggressive Behavior
The most common misconduct in kids is running away from school or skipping lessons. In children small in age, this is usually the first sign of aggressive behavior. They avoid going to school, and when forced, they show anger and rage.
If your child is showcasing some aggressive or unusual behavior regularly and you are not sure whether it falls under the category of conduct disorder, here are some examples of what should make you feel worried:
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Bullying of Peers
One of the significant Conduct Disorder Symptoms is bullying. When your kid starts bringing home extensive complaints of initiating physical fights or even being a part of them, it comes under the category of bullying. Alongside this, hitting others for no reason and showcasing aggressive behavior regularly is also a sign of conduct disorder.
This aggressive behavior is not limited to bullying humans. Rather, hitting animals or being violent against them also comes in the category of conduct disorder. Torturing pets and causing harm to them is one of the biggest concerns associated with this behavior.
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Property Destruction
Another significant sign that your kid has conduct disorder is property destruction. If he is involved in activities that cause harm to the property and damage it, the behavior is considered to be disruptive. This includes breaking of precious elements of the house in anger or irritation. At the same time, kids, in extreme situations, break into homes and cause damage. Actions like these are extremely concerning and lead to immense panic for the parents and society.
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Stealing and Robbing
In simpler cases, some children with conduct disorder tend to steal minor items once in a while. They may be involved in shop-lifting from malls and shops or may even end up walking away with items when they visit someone’s house. In intense situations, they may rob at a higher level just for fun and adventure.
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Disrespectful Behavior
Though a lot of kids showcase disrespectful behavior once in a while, children with this disorder are consistently impolite and uncivil. They showcase impudent behavior regularly, causing worry for the parents. They are defiant not only of their parents but also of the teachers. In extreme cases, they are even defiant of the law enforcement agencies and don’t follow any rules or regulations of the society.
One thing that is common in all kids with conduct disorder is extreme mood swings and annoyance. These kids are, most of the time, irritated and vexed. Exasperation is common, and they tend to get infuriated very easily.
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Lack of Empathy
Kids with conduct disorder do not show any kind of empathy for any situation. They are not concerned with the feelings of others. Even if they hurt someone, they don’t feel their pain. There is no remorse in them for anyone. They don’t have any feelings of guilt or regret whatsoever!
This lack of empathy arises from their antisocial behaviour. Kids with conduct disorder are quite anti-social and don’t like to mingle with others. They stay aloof of others that keeps them emotionally unavailable.
Managing Conduct Disorder In Kids
Conduct disorders in kids can be a cause of extreme worry and even panic for the parents. Sometimes, the parents are at their wit’s end and have no idea how to deal with their kids. If you are one of them looking for a way to deal with the situation, it’s high time you seek professional help. Psychologists and psychiatrists at SehatYab are expert mental health specialists who provide on-time intervention through proper therapy.
Lifestyle modifications, which include the inclusion of healthy physical activities, consumption of a nutritious diet, and enough sleep, can help in bringing positive changes in behavior.
Alongside this, they have distinct behavioral strategies that aid in managing the unruly behavior of kids with this disorder. These experts also guide parents on how they can help their kids regulate their behavior. Conduct Disorder Treatment is possible through consistent cognitive behavior therapy and medication if required!
