Conduct Disorder

Elizabeth K. Reynolds, Ph.D., Carisa Perry-Parrish, Ph.D.

DEFINITION

  • Disorder of childhood and adolescence characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated
  • Conduct Disorder is classified under the Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders section of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5)[1].
    • In legal settings, a provider may be asked whether the actual DSM-5 criteria are met; please see the DSM-5 itself for a detailed list of the criteria.
    • The major categories utilized by the DSM-5 for diagnosis are: aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, and serious violations of the rules.
  • Antisocial personality disorder diagnosis often includes evidence of conduct disorder in youth.

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Last updated: September 6, 2017