These teens have great difficulty following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable way. The major problem is in the expression of anger. They are often aggressive to peers and adults, and may lie, steal, destroy property and be sexually inappropriate. Risk-taking behaviours are common in this group, including the full range of suicidal behaviour. They frequently have other contributing problems including school failure and negative family and social experiences.
Conduct disorders can co-occur with adolescent depression and attention deficit disorder.
Mental Illness Is A Family Affair Many of the major psychiatric illnesses commonly seen in adults surface during adolescence. Although not directly linked, there is a strong predisposition for mental illness within families. Some families can also operate in such ways as to trigger mental illness within its members, especially those more vulnerable members. Family awareness, early identification and prevention are often the first steps to effective treatments. Relatives can play a key role in the identification and treatment of the teen with a mental illness, with family members themselves often needing help and support.