Conduct Disorder Treatment
Coping with the challenges of a conduct disorder in yourself or someone close to you? We are here to help.
What is Conduct Disorder?
Individuals with Conduct Disorder may have a great deal of difficulty controlling their behavior according to socially accepted norms. They may act out a great deal in socially unacceptable ways and even break the law or hurt others.
Often, kids with conduct disorders get labeled as bad. However, compassion and recognizing their condition can help set a child with these issues on a course of healing through therapy.
Typically, most individuals diagnosed with a conduct disorder will be younger, not yet adults. Given that some individuals affected by conduct disorder will go on to develop antisocial personality disorder later in life, it is essential to recognize and help children and teens that demonstrate the acute behavior symptoms of a conduct disorder.
To schedule an appointment call us at Nashville 615-499-6899 or Las Vegas 702-608-2898, email Info@OnYourMindCounseling.com, or contact us online.
Conduct Disorder Versus Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD) are prevalent among children and adolescents. These disorders, classified as “Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders” in the DSM 5, are characterized by issues with self-control, aggression, and conflicts with social norms. Negative emotionalism and disinhibition are associated with these disorders, while constraint personality dimensions show an inverse relationship. These disorders often coexist with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ODD is diagnosed based on three criteria:
- An angry or irritable mood
- Argumentative or defiant behavior
- Vindictiveness
Conversely, CD is diagnosed based on:
- Aggression towards people and animals
- Property destruction
- Deceitfulness or theft
- Serious violations of rules
Both disorders involve issues with impulse control, albeit in different ways. The behavior of someone diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder suggests that they despise being controlled, which is also the case for someone diagnosed with conduct disorder. However, someone with conduct disorder responds to that feeling by trying to control others, whether consciously or subconsciously.
To schedule an appointment call us at Nashville 615-499-6899 or Las Vegas 702-608-2898, email Info@OnYourMindCounseling.com, or contact us online.
Conduct Disorder Versus Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD) are prevalent among children and adolescents. These disorders, classified as “Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders” in the DSM 5, are characterized by issues with self-control, aggression, and conflicts with social norms. Negative emotionalism and disinhibition are associated with these disorders, while constraint personality dimensions show an inverse relationship. These disorders often coexist with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ODD is diagnosed based on three criteria:
- An angry or irritable mood
- Argumentative or defiant behavior
- Vindictiveness
Conversely, CD is diagnosed based on:
- Aggression towards people and animals
- Property destruction
- Deceitfulness or theft
- Serious violations of rules
Both disorders involve issues with impulse control, albeit in different ways. The behavior of someone diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder suggests that they despise being controlled, which is also the case for someone diagnosed with conduct disorder. However, someone with conduct disorder responds to that feeling by trying to control others, whether consciously or subconsciously.
Contact us today online or by phone at 615-499-6899 to set up an appointment.
Conduct Disorder in Children
Conduct disorder can have early onset before age 10 but commonly develops in adolescence, anywhere between the ages of 10 to 19 years old. This condition is more common in children assigned male at birth than children assigned female at birth. Conduct disorder affects between 2% and 10% of children and adolescents in the United States.
Conduct Disorder in Teens
Teens with conduct disorder may move into more severe behaviors than those displayed by children. While children with conduct disorder have a hard time following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable way, teens with conduct disorder display behaviors such as bullying, hurting animals, picking fights, theft, vandalism, and arson. While occasional rebellious behavior is expected during childhood and adolescence, the signs that lead to a conduct disorder diagnosis demonstrate a disruptive and repetitive pattern.
To schedule an appointment call us at Nashville 615-499-6899 or Las Vegas 702-608-2898, email Info@OnYourMindCounseling.com, or contact us online.
Signs and Symptoms of Conduct Disorder
The characteristic behaviors of conduct disorder develop gradually over time. Children with this disorder tend to be impulsive, challenging to manage, and lacking empathy toward the feelings of others.
Core behaviors associated with conduct disorder:
- Violating others’ fundamental rights
- Aggression toward people and animals
- Deceiving, lying, and stealing
- Destruction of property
- Serious violations of rules
Aggressive behavior toward others can include:
- Bullying
- Physical violence (potentially with a weapon)
- Verbal fights
- Threatening
- Forcing sexual activity
- Blaming others for their behavior
- Hurting animals
Destruction of property:
- Intentionally setting fires
- Vandalizing or destroying others’ property
Deceiving, lying, and stealing:
- Lying to get a favor or to avoid responsibilities
- Stealing from individual people or stores
- Breaking into houses or businesses
Violations of rules:
- Breaking the rules without an apparent reason
- Not going to school
- Running away from home
- Frequently breaking the rules set by parents
Other common signs:
- Heavy alcohol or substance usage
- Engaging in frequent and risky sex
- Becoming easily frustrated
- Making no effort to hide aggressive behaviors
- Not showing remorse for actions
- Difficulty making and maintaining friendships
To schedule an appointment call us at Nashville 615-499-6899 or Las Vegas 702-608-2898, email Info@OnYourMindCounseling.com, or contact us online.
Signs and Symptoms of Conduct Disorder

The characteristic behaviors of conduct disorder develop gradually over time. Children with this disorder tend to be impulsive, challenging to manage, and lacking empathy toward the feelings of others.
Core behaviors associated with conduct disorder:
- Violating others’ fundamental rights
- Aggression toward people and animals
- Deceiving, lying, and stealing
- Destruction of property
- Serious violations of rules
Aggressive behavior toward others can include:
- Bullying
- Physical violence (potentially with a weapon)
- Verbal fights
- Threatening
- Forcing sexual activity
- Blaming others for their behavior
- Hurting animals
Destruction of property:
- Intentionally setting fires
- Vandalizing or destroying others’ property
Deceiving, lying, and stealing:
- Lying to get a favor or to avoid responsibilities
- Stealing from individual people or stores
- Breaking into houses or businesses
Violations of rules:
- Breaking the rules without an apparent reason
- Not going to school
- Running away from home
- Frequently breaking the rules set by parents
Other common signs:
- Heavy alcohol or substance usage
- Engaging in frequent and risky sex
- Becoming easily frustrated
- Making no effort to hide aggressive behaviors
- Not showing remorse for actions
- Difficulty making and maintaining friendships
Contact us today online or by phone at 615-499-6899 to get started with treatment.
Parent Training
Having a child with Conduct Disorder can feel overwhelming and sometimes even hopeless. At On Your Mind Counseling, we help parents face the challenges of raising a child with conduct disorder. Let us work with you to help create the best plan for your child while providing you with the support and feedback you need.
Get the Help You Need – Treatment for Conduct Disorders
We will help you achieve your sobriety goal. Meeting you weekly will be our pleasure, but ultimately, we want to give you tools to free you of your addictive thoughts and behaviors.
Walk the path of sobriety with us.
Reach out today:
Nashville 📞615-499-6899 | Las Vegas 📞702-608-2898
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If you're interested in becoming a new client or if you have questions, please complete the form, call or email us. We look forward to hearing from you.
*Also offering Telehealth services to clients in Nevada and Tennessee.
