How to Work With Conduct Disorders in Teen Girls
Approximately one in 10 teen girls suffers from conduct disorder, according to the University of Florida in 2012. Persistent defiance against normal social behavior is the disorder's hallmark trait, which can make working with such teens a challenge. Stealing, lying, truancy and violence are among typical acts committed by teens with conduct disorder. Working with teen girls who have conduct disorder should include incorporating expected behavioral standards, maintaining consistent consequences and positive reinforcement.
Instructions
Set clear behavioral expectations. Determine a few non-negotiable rules and go over them with your teen. Be sure she understands what the rules are and that there is no room for argument, negotiation or manipulation. Due to the defiant nature of conduct disorder, a few rules that cover safety and respect are better than a long list of rules that cover every imaginable scenario. Choose realistic consequences. Consistency is the key, therefore, consequences must be enforceable. For example, skipping school means no phone privileges for seven days. Lying means being confined to the house or facility for the weekend, with no outside privileges. Teen girls with conduct disorder often lack empathy, so consequences are most effective if they are external, tangible things that curtail their lives and freedom. Discuss consequences and reserve the right to increase the consequence for multiple infractions. Put safety first. Teen girls with conduct disorder can become violent. Call authorities if anger escalates to potential violence. This includes out-of-control rages that can lead to property destruction, physical intimidation or threats and actual physical abuse. If your teen girl is experiencing a rage, have everybody else move to another room and lock the door while waiting for authorities to arrive. Once they do, explain calmly and factually what happened and that the teen girl in question has been diagnosed with conduct disorder. Allow authorities to handle it from there. According to an article published on the Family Therapy UK Website, a legal entanglement for a teen girl, that can later be sealed, may prevent her from escalating in violent behavior into adulthood, where the legal ramifications are much more severe and life-altering. Enforce mental-health requirements. Don't allow negotiating where therapist appointments are concerned. It is the work of the therapist, coupled with consistency in the living environment, that will help a teen girl with conduct disorder adjust and adapt to society. Incorporate positive reinforcement. Teen girls with conduct disorder often encounter many negative situations due to poor choices. When they are complying with the rules or showing respect for others, be sure to notice. In addition, because they are often driven by tangible rewards, set up a system where they can earn tickets to the movies or something similar for making the right decisions.
