About Socialized Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder, sometimes known as socialized conduct disorder, is a condition characterized by a persistent pattern of behavior over a period of at least six months. Symptoms are typically present beginning in childhood and cause significant impairment in functioning. The troublesome behaviors associated with conduct disorder can lead to illegal activities and eventually incarceration. Conduct disorder may exist with other conditions such as mood disorders or antisocial personality traits. Conduct disorder can range from mild, moderate to severe and is officially diagnosed by a mental health professional.

  1. Personality Characteristics

    • Attempting to control others to feel powerful, capitalizing on the weaknesses of others, experiencing excitement from risky behavior and lacking remorse for feelings and the fate of others are all personality characteristics of conduct disorder. It is difficult for individuals with this condition to form relationships, and they may be labeled as a loner, engaging in only superficial relationships. Other people may be considered as objects to be used. Those with conduct disorder are likely to have a basic lack of regard for humanity apart from themselves.

    Destructive Behavior

    • Destroying property on purpose, including illegally breaking into homes or cars, vandalism or setting fires are all characteristic of individuals with conduct disorder. Conduct disordered children may put holes in the walls or break windows when angry. This destructive behavior occurs until one is arrested or has been arrested multiple times. Many individuals in juvenile detention and prison will at one point be identified as having conduct disorder, according to Donald J. Franklin, Ph.D., at Psychology Information Online.

    Manipulative Behavior

    • Blaming others, refusing to take responsibility for one's own behavior, repeatedly lying, breaking promises and persistent resistance to authority are characteristics of conduct disorder. These individuals may also be known as con-artists, seeking social gain through manipulation and at the expense of others. These individuals lack empathy and remorse. They may appear as being rude, arrogant or argumentative.

    Aggressive Behavior

    • Excessively fighting, intimidating, threatening and bullying others to include possible violence is characteristic of individuals with conduct disorder. Cruelty and violence to animals is often a precursor and warning sign of more severe forms of conduct disorder in adults. These individuals may carry or use weapons such as a gun or knife. Stealing may be observed. Frequent temper tantrums and rage episodes are typical. Severe conduct disorder behavior may be in the form of rape, torture or homicide.

    Interventions

    • Managing conduct disorder can be challenging. If the condition is identified in childhood or adolescence, treatment interventions are more effective than when used with an adult. Developing meaningful relationships may be a goal of treatment. Establishing trust and rapport with the individual will be more productive than angry confrontation or harsh discipline. Assigning adult or peer mentors may be helpful. Setting firm limits and expectations with consistent follow- through is important in order to hold the individual accountable for actions. Providing structure in school and home settings, swift intervention for misbehavior and giving the individual a sense of purpose (such as a special job in the classroom) are recommended.

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