Introduction
Conduct Disorder (CD) is a childhood and adolescent behavioral and emotional disorder characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others or major age-appropriate social norms and rules. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions in youth and, when untreated, is associated with significant long-term difficulties including academic failure, legal problems, and antisocial behavior in adulthood.
Causes
Conduct disorder arises from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Genetic predisposition, neurological differences in impulse control and emotional regulation, history of trauma or abuse, exposure to domestic violence, inconsistent or harsh parenting, association with delinquent peers, and socioeconomic disadvantage all increase risk. Co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, learning disabilities, or mood disorders are common and may exacerbate symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people or animals (bullying, fighting, cruelty); destruction of property (vandalism, fire-setting); deceitfulness or theft (lying, stealing, breaking into homes or cars); and serious violations of rules (truancy, running away, staying out late despite parental rules). The behaviors are persistent, occurring in multiple settings, and cause significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by a mental health clinician using DSM-5 criteria, which require three or more specified behaviors within the past 12 months and at least one in the past six months. The clinician will gather information from multiple sources including the child, parents, and school. The evaluation should also assess for co-occurring ADHD, mood disorders, learning disabilities, and trauma history.
Treatment
Early intervention offers the best outcomes. Treatment typically includes behavioral parent training, multisystemic therapy (MST), cognitive behavioral therapy to address problem-solving and emotional regulation, and family therapy. School-based interventions and coordination with educational staff are important. Medications may be used to address co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, depression, or anxiety that contribute to behavioral difficulties.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.