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From petty thefts to violent conflicts: Why do some children develop behavioral disorders?
Conduct Disorder (CD) is a mental illness diagnosed in childhood or adolescence that is characterized by repetitive and persistent patterns of behavior, often manifesting in behaviors such as stealing, lying, physical violence, and obvious violations of social norms. These behaviors are in many cases seen as precursors to socially deviant behavior and are often seen as prodromal symptoms of antisocial personality disorder. However, the latter diagnosis cannot be confirmed until the individual reaches the age of 18.
According to 2013 data, conduct disorders affect an estimated 51.1 million people worldwide. Some studies have pointed out that the causes of behavioral disorders may be related to parental rejection and neglect, which can be improved through family therapy, behavioral changes and medication. Additionally, environmental lead exposure may be another potential cause of this disorder.
When children cannot learn how to deal with fear or pain, they are more likely to vent their emotions on other children.
Symptoms and signs of behavioral disorders
An obvious symptom of a behavioral disorder is a diminished sense of fear. Several studies of young children in the face of fear and pain have found that negative emotions, such as fear, are key factors in predicting young children's sympathetic responses to the pain of others. This suggests that young children are better able to cope with fear and distress if their caregivers respond appropriately to their needs. This means that providing therapeutic interventions to help at-risk children learn better empathy skills will help reduce the incidence of behavioral disorders.
Symptoms of conduct disorders can be divided into the following categories:
Aggression against other people and animals
These children often bully, threaten, or intimidate others and may engage in physical conflicts, use weapons to cause harm to others, and engage in physical cruelty to people and animals.
Property destruction
These children will intentionally set fires, cause serious damage, or intentionally destroy other people's property.
Cheating or stealing
Symptoms include theft, often vandalizing other people's homes or cars to obtain items, and often lying to gain advantage or avoid liability.
Serious violations
This includes behavior such as regularly going out at night without parental permission, going out at night and being absent from school when under 13 years of age.
These teenagers often lack any remorse or empathy for the hurt or pain of others.
The development process of behavioral disorders
The development of behavioral disorders can be divided into two main pathways: toddler type and adolescent type. Symptoms of the toddler form usually appear before the age of 10, and these children often show characteristics of ADHD and are accompanied by more persistent behavioral problems. In contrast, adolescent-type symptoms do not appear until the age of 10. Social functioning of these individuals is less impaired, and many of these individuals can or will reduce their deviant behavior before adulthood.
Research shows a strong link between conduct disorders and antisocial personality disorder. About 90% of children with conduct disorder have been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, and many adults with antisocial personality disorder also have a history of conduct disorder.
Related psychological disorders
Many children with conduct disorders also face other adjustment problems, especially attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). About 25%-30% of boys with conduct disorders are diagnosed with ADHD. This suggests that children who are often overactive and impulsive are more likely to develop behavioral problems early on.
Causes and risk factors
The causes of behavioral disorders are complex and involve the interaction of biological and environmental factors. Risk factors for the disorder include poor family functioning, young and single parents, and poor socioeconomic status. However, protective factors are also important, such as high IQ, good social relationships in the group, and better coping skills, which can reduce the risk of developing behavioral disorders.
Under the influence of family and social environment, violence and deviant behaviors in adolescence continue to reshape the development of behavioral disorders.
Diagnosis and Treatment
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, a diagnosis of conduct disorder is based on a persistent pattern of antisocial behavior. Although there are currently no specific medications for conduct disorders, behavioral therapy is the treatment of choice, emphasizing problem-solving-based behavior modification training and parent-child management support.
Through these methods, many adolescents with potential behavioral disorders are able to reestablish normal social skills and reduce the risk of conflict with others. As for what the future holds, whether children with conduct disorders can overcome their developmental difficulties depends on many factors, including the environment, social support, and the individual's ability to self-regulate.
Finally, the formation of behavioral disorders is closely related to the social environment, so how should we build a friendlier society to prevent young people from heading towards behavioral deviations?
