Conduct disorder | |
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Physical abuse and bullying, such as this boy attacking another boy, is a characteristic of a child with an established conduct disorder. | |
Specialty | Psychiatry, pediatrics, clinical psychology |
Symptoms | Maliciousness, bullying, abuse, crime, delinquency, truancy, substance abuse, injury, impulsivity |
Complications | Sadomasochism, self-injury, crime, substance abuse, imprisonment, violence, antisocial personality disorder |
Risk factors | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome, child physical abuse, maternal smoking during pregnancy, domestic violence, sexual bullying, molestation |
Diagnostic method | Through a prolonged pattern of antisocial behaviour such as serious violation of laws, social norms, and rules in people younger than the age of 18 |
Conduct disorder (CD) is a mental disorder diagnosed in childhood or adolescence that presents itself through a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that includes theft, lies, physical violence that may lead to destruction, and reckless breaking of rules,[1] in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate norms are violated. These behaviors are often referred to as "antisocial behaviors",[2] and is often seen as the precursor to antisocial personality disorder; however, the latter, by definition, cannot be diagnosed until the individual is 18 years old.[3] Conduct disorder may result from parental rejection and neglect and can be treated with family therapy, as well as behavioral modifications and pharmacotherapy.[4] Conduct disorder is estimated to affect 51.1 million people globally as of 2013.[update][5]