Conduct Disorder and Its Clinical Management

Abstract

Conduct disorder (CD), a psychiatric condition that is prevalent in some child and adolescent populations, is defined by the DSM-5 as a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the rights of others and age-appropriate cultural norms are violated. DSM-5 subtypes include childhood-onset, adolescent-onset, and callous-unemotional presentations. The development of CD is affected by gender, age at onset, environmental factors, and genetic factors. Overall, it has been difficult to identify causative factors because there is such a diverse variety of factors and comorbidities involved, although studies to define specific genetic, physiologic, and neurologic links to CD are ongoing. Common comorbidities in CD include oppositional defiant disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, dysthymia, and substance abuse. The most successful treatment involves a multisystemic approach involving medication, family therapy, educational therapy, and parenting skills. Overall, early prevention of CD through treatment is key because the prognosis is poor and can be associated with the development of more severe comorbidities. This review contains 3 tables, and 58 references. Key words: antisocial behavior behavioral issues, ADHD comorbidities, child mental disorders, conduct disorder