Disruptive, Impulsive Control, and Conduct Disorders

Conduct disorder

psychological disorder marked by chronic disregard for other’s rights, aggression, property destruction, theft and serious rule violation

Childhood onset

begins before age 10

Adolescent-onset

begins @ age 10

Life-course-persistent antisocial

persists into adulthood 

Limited prosocial behavior is needed for diagnosis

lack of remorse/guilt for actions, lack of empathy

lack of concern about school/work performance

shallow emotions, use manipulaiton

Psychopathy

superficial harm, grandiose self-worth, pathological lying, cunning/manipulative, lack remorse

Oppositional defiant disorder

chronic misbehavior in children, begins in preschool/toddler

struggle with emotion regulation/self control

less agressive

Biological factors

genetics, MAOA gene + abuse, abnormal prefrontal cortex, decrease amygdala activity

neurotoxin exposure, high serotonin/testosterone, abnormal cortisol levels

Social factors

lower socioeconomic status, difficult infant temperament, abuse/neglect, malnutriton

Cognitive factors

process info in a way that promotes aggressive, reactive behavior

Treatments for conduct disorder

changing interpretations of interpersonal interactions

developing skills @ school + home

need unproblematic parenting

Therapist must be

sensitive to cultural differences, interventions must begin early in life

Therapies include

stimulants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers