Conduct Disorder in Teen Boys
What is Conduct Disorder & How is it Treated in Teens
Conduct disorder (CD) is a behavioral disorder in teens characterized by persistent aggression, rule-breaking, deceitfulness, and disregard for others’ rights.
Boys with CD may engage in fights, vandalism, theft, or violate social norms. It often coexists with ADHD, depression, or substance abuse.
Treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy to improve impulse control, family intervention to reinforce positive behavior and support. Structured environments, like therapeutic programs or residential treatment, can provide stability and guidance, helping boys develop healthier coping skills and social behaviors.
We can provide a safe, therapy-intensive intervention designed to stabilize behavior, treat underlying conditions and equip teens for success.
Individual, Family, and Group Therapy Sessions Led by Licensed, Christian Therapists
Psychiatric Evaluation, Medication Management & 24-Hour Skilled Nursing
Individualized Academics with Support for Behavior-Driven Learning Needs
Immersive, Christ-Centered Environment Fostering Personal & Spiritual Growth
Understanding How CD Affects Behavior
Conduct Disorder often leading to persistent patterns of aggression, rule-breaking, and defiance. Teens with CD may engage in physical fights, bullying, theft, vandalism, or even more severe actions like arson or cruelty to animals. They often disregard authority, lie frequently, and violate rules at home, school, or in the community.
Unlike occasional rebellious behavior seen in many adolescents, CD behaviors are chronic, severe, and disruptive, making it difficult for these teens to maintain healthy relationships with peers, teachers, and family members. Their impulsive and risky actions can also lead to legal issues, school expulsions, or conflicts with law enforcement.
Effective Treatment Options for Conduct Disorder:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Family Therapy
Individualized Treatment Plans
Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Peer Support Groups
Behavioral Feedback
Positive Peer Interaction
Anger Management Training
When Is Residential Treatment the Right Choice?
Residential treatment can provide structure, behavioral therapy, and continuous feedback that helps teens with conduct disorder, enabling the development of appropriate social skills for future success. Placement can be particularly effective when behaviors are severly impacting daily functioning or previous treatment options have failed.
Are behaviors severely impacting daily life?
When incidents begin to severely impact social, academic, or occupational functioning, treatment can help. The process typically begins with outpatient therapy, but if behaviors do not improve, residential treatment can provide a more immersive treatment experience.
Does the teen have more than one co-occurring diagnosis?
When more than one diagnosis is co-occuring, treatment becomes increasingly complex. These individuals often benefit from an immersive, residential treatment program that can tailor services to meet their unique needs. For example, if impulsive behaviors stem from past childhood trauma, a residential placement can support both root-cause interventions and the development of healthier coping strategies to stabilize behaviors.
Have outpatient treatment options previously failed?
For many, outpatient therapy provides enough support to overcome self-harming behaviors. However, if a teens who have previously failed with outpatient services or who have had multiple short-term placements, often benefit from longer-term treatment like a residential program.
Is there an immediate risk of danger?
If behaviors pose an immediate risk to the individual or those around them, placement in a residential treatment program can help keep everyone safe.
Have Previous Treatment Options Failed?
Residential treatment is often most appropriate for individuals who have not seen sustained success with outpatient or short-term treatment options. The immersive, long-term approach of a residential treatment center can provide enhanced structure and support to facilitate an intense focus on recovery.
Why Choose Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch?
We provide holistic therapeutic interventions designed to stabilize behaviors, engage teens in therapeutic treatment, address root cause mental health issues, and build decisions-making and academic skills for long-term success.
Our behavioral health treatment program focuses on stabilizing teens with proper medication management based on individual genetics and equipping them with life skills for long-term success.
Our six core areas of healing include:
- Clinical Therapy
- Individualized Academics
- Outdoor Adventure
- Equine Therapy
- Family Involvement
- Spiritual Growth
