Conduct Problems

Conduct problems cause age-inappropriate actions and attitudes in children that violate family/social norms and result in physical/personal damage to others.

General Criteria #

Harm:

• violates social values
• causes functional impairment
• cultural and context dependent Dysfunction:
• break down in a mechanism
• interferes with natural function

ODD #

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

symptoms #

Angry/irritable mood: loses temper, easily annoyed, angry, resentful Argumentative/defiant behavior: argues with authority figures/adults, defies rules and requirements, deliberately annoys others, blames others for personal mistakes Vindictiveness: revengeful, spiteful

CD #

Conduct Disorder

Aggression to people and animals: bullies, threatens, intimidates others; initiates fights and has used weapons

Destruction of property: deliberately destroying property of others, or setting fire with the intention of causing damage

Deceitfulness: theft while confronting victim, breaking and entering, lies to obtain goods/favors

Serious violations of rules: truancy, running away from home, stays up late at night

ASPD #

Antisocial Personality Disorder (sociopathy):

• failure to conform to norms or laws
• deceitfulness
• impulsivity/failure to plan ahead
• irritability and aggressiveness
• reckless disregard for safety
• consistent irresponsibility
• lack of remorse

Psychopathy: especially severe form of ASPD

• All symptoms of ASPD, in addition to:
• Lack of empathy
• Sense of grandiosity
• Narcissism

Presentations of Aggression #

Overt presentation: physical aggression, arguments, temper tantrums

• Peaks early and recedes after preschool Covert presentation: lying, stealing, substance abuse, truancy
• Increases through adolescence

Physical aggression: physical contact with another person Relational aggression: social/interpersonal harm (gossip, rumors, exclusion) Proactive aggression: planned acts for personal gain Reactive aggression: resulting from a perceived threat or provocation

Sibling aggression is not factored into symptoms due to how common it is.

Risk factors #

• Genetics
• Prenatal, perinatal environment
• Temperament
• Cognitive development
• Family environment/parenting
• Often associated with child abuse

Treatment #

Child and adolescent centered interventions

• cognitive behavioral therapy
• Problem solving skills training
• Anger management therapy
  • ice diving: slow heart rate by immersing face in ice water