Why Does My Child Show Antisocial Behavior?

Does your child show aggressive behavior (i.e., behaviors that threaten or cause physical harm, including fighting, bullying, being cruel to others/animals, and forcing another into sexual activity)?

Does your child show destructive behavior (i.e., intentional destruction of property including arson and vandalism)?

Does your child show deceitful behavior (e.g., repeated lying, shoplifting, or stealing)?

Does your child violate rules (e.g., running away, skipping school, or being sexually active at a very young age)?

Based on your answers, it seems unlikely that your child has a serious behavioral problem. It’s common for children and teens to show some behavioral issues at some time during their development. However, when the behavior is long-lasting, when the kids can’t behave in a socially accepted way, when the behavior violates other’s rights and if it causes distress for the child or family, it is considered to be a conduct disorder. Children may appear tough and confident, however, children with conduct disorder are often very insecure and believe that other people are being threatening toward them.

Based on your answers, your child may be displaying one or two signs related to antisocial behavior. The symptoms may be a sign of conduct disorder, and therefore it is important to seek medical support. Children with conduct disorder don’t understand how their behavior hurts others, and they usually feel no remorse. They are often hard to control and they act impulsively.

Unfortunately, your child may be displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have conduct disorder. It may be of high importance to seek medical support. Children with the disorder have a hard time behaving in a socially acceptable way. They may be aggressive, destructive, and violate others’ rights. Treatment for conduct disorder includes behavior therapy or talk therapy to teach your child how to express his or her emotions appropriately. A mental health professional will also teach parents how to manage the child’s condition. Early treatment may slow the progression of the condition or may even reduce the severity of the behavioral problems.