Signs Of Conduct Disorder To Look Out For

Constant Rule Violation

Symptoms of rule-breaking can start at a young age for those with conduct disorder. Examples of this type of behavior include skipping school, running away from home, and staying out all night. This type of behavior falls out of the realms of what is socially acceptable. The reason why the need to constantly break occurs in individuals with conduct disorder is due to a neurochemical imbalance in their brain. Those with conduct disorder have low levels of serotonin and cortisol. These types of neurons are responsible for impulse control, regulation of mood, and feelings of fear and anxiety. If the individual has a deficit of these neurons, they are likely to engage in a rebellious behavior because they believe it is acceptable to violate rules and regulations.

Aggressive Behavior

Behavior that involves hurting humans or other living things, like pets and wildlife, is considered cruel and violent. Individuals with conduct disorder have the tendency to pick fights with others and bully other individuals into getting what they want. Aggression in patients with conduct disorder can stem from environmental factors. This behavior is often learned and conditioned. If the living conditions are poor and filled with violence, then the patient with conduct disorder will be exposed to these tendencies and start to unconsciously adopt them into their daily habits.

Their interaction with other individuals will be confrontational, unpleasant, and even frightening. Also, conduct disorder patients have drastically reduced automatic nervous system functioning, and therefore have a harder time regulating their moods. They are unable to comprehend the idea of exercising self-control and cool off their anger in a constructive manner. They react physically and impulsively to cope with the intense emotions brewing in them.