Chapter 4 - Conduct Disorder

Abstract

This chapter explores the characteristics and causes of conduct disorder (CD). CD is one of two disruptive behavior disorders defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. CD refers to a persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others and major societal norms or rules are violated. The symptoms used to operationally define this pattern of behavior fall into four categories: aggression to people or animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, and serious violation of rules. The breakdown of CD into childhood-onset and adolescent-onset subtypes illustrates a very important concept for understanding and treating children with CD. Specifically, it illustrates the fact that children with CD constitute a very heterogeneous group with major differences among those with the disorder in their clinical presentation, clinical course, and underlying causes of behavior. The prevalence of CD depends on a number of factors including the type of symptoms leading to the diagnosis, the age group studied, and the gender of the child. Case conceptualization is critical for designing effective treatments for children with CD. It should be the cornerstone of clinical endeavor and a bridge between the research literature on CD in children and adolescents, and the design of treatment plans for them as individuals.