π What is Conduct Disorder (CD)?
Conduct Disorder (CD) is a behavioral and emotional disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated. These behaviors are more serious than typical childhood misbehavior. Children and adolescents with CD may display aggression towards people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, and serious violations of rules.
- π Aggression to People and Animals: πΎ Includes bullying, threatening, initiating physical fights, using a weapon, being physically cruel to people or animals, or forcing someone into sexual activity.
- π₯ Destruction of Property: π¨ Deliberately setting fires or otherwise destroying others' property.
- π€₯ Deceitfulness or Theft: ΰ¦ΰ§ΰ¦°ΰ¦Ώ Breaking into someone's house or car, lying to obtain goods or favors, or stealing without confronting the victim (e.g., shoplifting).
- π« Serious Violations of Rules: β±οΈ Running away from home overnight, often beginning before age 13, or frequent truancy from school, beginning before age 13.
π§ What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a condition in which a child displays a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting for at least six months. This behavior is often directed towards authority figures. While children with ODD can be challenging, their actions generally do not involve serious violations of the rights of others or the law, as seen in Conduct Disorder.
- π‘ Angry/Irritable Mood: π Often loses temper, is easily annoyed, or is often angry and resentful.
- π£οΈ Argumentative/Defiant Behavior: π Frequently argues with adults, actively defies or refuses to comply with requests or rules, deliberately annoys people, or blames others for their mistakes or misbehavior.
- π Vindictiveness: π Has been spiteful or vindictive at least twice within the past six months.
π CD vs. ODD: Key Differences
| Feature |
Conduct Disorder (CD) |
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) |
| Severity of Behavior |
π£ More severe; involves violations of others' rights and societal norms. |
π€ Less severe; primarily involves defiance and opposition to authority. |
| Aggression |
π Physical aggression, cruelty to animals/people is common. |
π£οΈ Primarily verbal aggression; physical aggression is less common. |
| Rule Violations |
π¨ Serious rule violations (e.g., theft, vandalism, running away). |
π« Primarily defiance of rules set by authority figures. |
| Empathy |
β€οΈβπ©Ή Often lacks empathy and remorse. |
π€ May show some empathy, but struggles with authority and rules. |
| Legal Issues |
βοΈ More likely to have legal involvement due to the severity of actions. |
π¨ββοΈ Less likely to have legal involvement, although behavior can be problematic. |
π Key Takeaways
- π Distinction: The main difference lies in the severity and type of behaviors. CD involves violating the rights of others, while ODD primarily involves defiance and opposition to authority.
- π€ Co-occurrence: It's possible for a child to have both CD and ODD, or for ODD to develop into CD if behaviors escalate.
- βοΈ Professional Help: Both CD and ODD require professional evaluation and treatment. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Seek help from a mental health professional! π