22.4 Screening and Diagnosis of Conduct Disorder in Boys and Girls

Abstract

Conduct disorder (CD) frequently co-occurs with other mental disorders. It is important to identify CD in both genders when present since CD is associated with substantial morbidity and disability. This presentation will explore the diagnostic criteria for CD, how CD overlaps or is distinct from other disorders, and the utility of rating scales in identifying youth with CD. A selective review of the literature has been undertaken to describe CD comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders with a focus on co-occurring bipolar disorder. Rating scales used to identify youth with CD will be reviewed. The utility of the rule-breaking behavior scale from the Child Behavior Checklist in identifying youth of both genders with CD in the context of co-occurring bipolar disorder will be described using data from two data sets of children and adolescents with and without bipolar disorder (N=203, 66% male). CD and bipolar disorder commonly co-occur. Several rating scales exist to screen for CD. The rule-breaking behavior scale has been demonstrated to be an efficient tool to identify youth with CD. The role of gender in the identification CD in children and adolescents with and without bipolar disorder will be presented. Screening tools exist that can assist clinicians in making the diagnosis of CD in both genders, particularly when CD co-occurs with bipolar disorder.