Conduct Disorder (CD) in Children and Teens in Grand Rapids, MI

Conduct disorder (CD) is a serious behavioral and mental health condition that affects some children and adolescents in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan. It involves patterns of behavior where a young person repeatedly violates the rights of others, social rules, or the law. These behaviors often include aggression, destruction of property, and rule‑breaking.

Early diagnosis and treatment are especially important in Grand Rapids, where access to high‑quality pediatric mental health care is available through major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and local community clinics. Without treatment, conduct disorder can increase the risk of:

  • Substance use and addiction
  • Personality disorders
  • Depression and other mental illnesses
  • Ongoing legal and school problems in adulthood

Common Signs and Symptoms of Conduct Disorder

Children and teens with conduct disorder show a consistent pattern of aggressive, defiant, or rule‑breaking behavior that goes beyond typical misbehavior. These behaviors occur at home, school, and in the community, including neighborhoods throughout Grand Rapids and Kent County.

Typical Behaviors Seen in Conduct Disorder

A child or teen with CD may:

  • Break the law:
    • Stealing or shoplifting
    • Deliberately setting fires
    • Breaking into houses, cars, or buildings
    • Vandalism (graffiti, property damage)
  • Show aggression toward people or animals:
    • Bullying, threatening, or intimidating others
    • Starting physical fights
    • Using weapons in fights
    • Physical or sexual aggression
    • Cruelty to animals
  • Violate major rules:
    • Repeated truancy (skipping school), including from Grand Rapids Public Schools or other local districts
    • Running away from home
    • Staying out very late without permission
  • Show concerning emotional and social traits:
    • Lack of empathy or concern for others’ feelings
    • Spiteful or vengeful behavior
    • Frequent lying or manipulation
    • Low self‑esteem, even if they appear “tough” on the outside
    • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors in some cases

Learning difficulties, poor grades, and frequent suspensions or expulsions are also common in children and teens with CD.

Relationship to ODD and ADHD

Conduct disorder is part of a group of conditions known as disruptive behavior disorders, which also includes:

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

ODD is often a milder and earlier condition that can develop before conduct disorder. Children with ODD typically show:

  • Constant defiance and arguing with adults
  • Hostility and resentment
  • A “hair‑trigger” temper and frequent outbursts

Not all children with ODD go on to develop CD, but ODD is a significant risk factor.

ADHD and Other Mental Health Conditions

  • Around one‑third of children with CD also have ADHD.
  • About 1 in 5 children with CD experience depression.
  • Other related conditions may include:
    • Anxiety disorders
    • Post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
    • Learning disabilities
    • Substance use disorders

Because these conditions overlap, accurate diagnosis by a trained professional in Grand Rapids is essential.

What Causes Conduct Disorder?

There is no single cause of conduct disorder. Instead, it usually develops from a combination of biological, psychological, family, and environmental factors.

Family and Home Factors

Family life plays a major role in the development and severity of CD. Risk factors include:

  • Parents or caregivers who:
    • Do not set clear rules or limits
    • Do not follow through with consequences (for example, threatening to take away TV or phone but not enforcing it)
    • Use aggressive, harsh, or inconsistent discipline
  • Lack of parental monitoring of a child’s or teen’s whereabouts
  • Ongoing family conflict or frequent arguments
  • Domestic violence in the home
  • Large or highly stressed families
  • Poverty or financial stress, which can be an issue in some Grand Rapids neighborhoods
  • Parents or caregivers who:
    • Have untreated mental health conditions
    • Misuse alcohol or drugs
    • Are involved in criminal activity
    • Have a history of child abuse or neglect

Individual and Environmental Factors

Other factors that may contribute to conduct disorder or worsen symptoms include:

  • Gender: boys are about twice as likely as girls to be diagnosed with CD
  • Brain differences or brain injury
  • Peer group influences:
    • Spending time with peers who engage in delinquent or risky behavior
    • Gang involvement
  • Substance misuse:
    • Early use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs
  • Trauma and stress:
    • Exposure to violence, community crime, or traumatic events
    • PTSD
  • Learning difficulties or intellectual disabilities
  • Mood disorders:
    • Depression
    • Bipolar disorder

In Grand Rapids, seasonal factors can also play a role. Long, dark Michigan winters and limited outdoor activity during cold months can worsen mood, increase irritability, and reduce positive outlets for energy—especially in teens already struggling with behavior.

Possible Long-Term Consequences if CD Is Not Treated

Without early and effective treatment, conduct disorder can lead to serious adult problems, including:

  • Ongoing mental health disorders, including personality disorders
  • Chronic depression and anxiety
  • Alcoholism and drug dependency
  • Legal problems and a long‑term law‑breaking lifestyle
  • Difficulty maintaining jobs or relationships
  • Risk of homelessness or incarceration

Accessing care early through local Grand Rapids providers can significantly improve a child’s long‑term outlook.

How Conduct Disorder Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Conduct disorder should be diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional experienced in child and adolescent behavior, such as:

  • Child or adolescent psychologist
  • Child and adolescent psychiatrist
  • Pediatrician with training in behavioral disorders
  • Licensed clinical social worker or therapist specializing in youth behavior

In Grand Rapids, evaluations are available through:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) pediatric and behavioral health services
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids behavioral health programs
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health pediatric clinics
  • Community mental health providers and private practices
  • Kent County Health Department and local school‑based mental health programs

The Diagnostic Process

Professionals typically:

  1. Interview the child or teen
  2. Speak with parents or caregivers
  3. Gather information from teachers or school staff
  4. Review school records and behavior reports
  5. Compare the child’s behavior to criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) from the American Psychiatric Association.

If enough criteria are met and the behaviors are severe, persistent, and impairing, a diagnosis of conduct disorder can be made.

Because CD can look similar to ODD and ADHD, a thorough evaluation is essential to ensure the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Conduct Disorder in Grand Rapids, MI

Treating conduct disorder can be challenging, particularly because many children and teens with CD:

  • Distrust adults and authority figures
  • Resist rules and limits
  • May not believe they have a problem

However, with a consistent, team‑based approach, many young people improve significantly.

A Comprehensive, Team-Based Approach

Effective treatment usually involves multiple types of support working together, including:

  • Family
  • School
  • Healthcare providers
  • Community resources

In Grand Rapids, this may include coordination between:

  • Local schools (e.g., Grand Rapids Public Schools, private and charter schools)
  • Pediatricians and family doctors
  • Mental health specialists
  • Youth programs and community organizations

Common Treatment Approaches

Treatment is tailored to the individual child or teen, but may include:

1. Behavior Therapy

  • Focuses on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors
  • Uses clear rules, structure, and consistent consequences
  • Often involves parents and teachers working together on the same plan

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Helps children and teens:
    • Recognize unhelpful thoughts
    • Manage anger and frustration
    • Improve problem‑solving and decision‑making
  • Can reduce aggression and impulsive behavior

3. Anger and Stress Management

  • Teaches coping skills for:
    • Intense anger
    • Stressful situations at home, school, or in the community
  • May include relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and communication skills

4. Social Skills Training

  • Helps youth learn:
    • How to make and keep friends
    • How to resolve conflicts without aggression
    • How to show empathy and respect for others

5. Parent Management Training

  • Trains parents and caregivers to:
    • Set clear expectations
    • Use consistent, non‑violent discipline
    • Reward positive behavior
    • Improve communication with their child
  • Especially important in homes under stress from work, finances, or Michigan’s long winter months

6. Family Therapy

  • Addresses family conflict, communication problems, and relationship issues
  • Can help reduce arguments and improve cooperation at home

7. Multisystemic Therapy (MST)

  • An intensive, evidence‑based treatment for serious conduct problems
  • Works across multiple settings:
    • Home
    • School
    • Community
  • Often used for youth at high risk of out‑of‑home placement or legal involvement

8. Special Education Support

  • For children with learning difficulties or ADHD, schools in Grand Rapids can provide:
    • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
    • 504 plans
    • Classroom accommodations
  • These supports can reduce frustration and behavior problems related to academic struggles.

9. Medication (When Needed)

Medication does not treat conduct disorder directly, but may be used to manage:

  • Co‑existing ADHD
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Severe mood or aggression problems

Medication decisions should be made with a qualified pediatrician or child psychiatrist in Grand Rapids and include regular follow‑up.

Local Considerations: Grand Rapids and Michigan Context

Living in West Michigan can shape the experience of families dealing with conduct disorder:

  • Seasonal changes: Long, cold winters and shorter daylight hours can worsen mood and limit outdoor activities, which can increase irritability and conflict at home.
  • Outdoor opportunities: In warmer months, access to parks, trails, and Lake Michigan beaches offers healthy outlets for energy and stress relief.
  • Community resources: Grand Rapids has growing mental health resources, including school‑based services, youth programs, and nonprofit organizations focused on family support.

Taking advantage of local supports can make a significant difference in managing CD.

Where to Get Help for Conduct Disorder in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are concerned that your child or teen may have conduct disorder, early action is important. Start by talking with:

  • Your child’s primary care provider or pediatrician
    They can:
    • Rule out medical issues
    • Provide initial screening
    • Refer you to specialized mental health services

Local Resources and Referrals

In the Grand Rapids area, consider:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
    Pediatric behavioral health and psychiatry services.

  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    Behavioral health programs for children and adolescents.

  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    Pediatric and family medicine clinics with behavioral health referrals.

  • Kent County Health Department
    Information on community mental health resources and local programs.

  • Grand Rapids Public Schools and other local districts
    School counselors, psychologists, and social workers can help with evaluations, IEPs, and behavior plans.

  • Local child and adolescent mental health providers

    • Child or adolescent psychologists
    • Child psychiatrists
    • Licensed professional counselors and social workers specializing in youth behavior

If you need help finding services, you can also:

  • Call your health insurance provider for a list of in‑network child mental health specialists in Grand Rapids.
  • Contact local community mental health agencies serving Kent County.
  • Ask your child’s school counselor for referral options.

Taking the Next Step

Conduct disorder is a serious but treatable condition. With early intervention, consistent support, and the right combination of therapies, many children and teens in Grand Rapids can:

  • Reduce aggressive and defiant behaviors
  • Improve relationships at home and school
  • Build healthier coping skills for lifelong mental health

If you are worried about your child’s behavior, reaching out for professional help in Grand Rapids is an important first step.