What Is Conduct Disorder?
8. How Is Conduct Disorder Diagnosed?
Diagnoses must be performed by a mental health professional trained in mental illnesses in teens and children. You can typically get a referral from your family doctor. If necessary, the mental health professional may recommend laboratory tests and a physical exam to determine the cause of the disorder. A physical exam helps show whether physical brain trauma or development issues may have caused this disorder.
The cause of the disorder is helpful in understanding the treatment plan, so this is often included in the diagnosis. A true diagnosis typically uses information from teachers and parents, as most children and teens with this disorder are reluctant to provide information to a counselor. Schedule an appointment with your family doctor to receive a referral or look for a mental health professional in your area.
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