Conduct Disorder

A condition characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior which violates the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules. A child or teen with conduct disorder may:

• display aggressive conduct (bully or threaten others; initiate fights; use weapons that could cause serious harm; force someone into sexual activity; be physically aggressive or cruel to people or animals);
• engage in nonaggressive behaviors that result in property loss or damage;
• engage in deceitfulness or theft (steal; or lie or break promises to obtain goods or to avoid debts or obligations)
• persistently engage in serious violations of rules that lead to confrontations with parents, school suspensions or expulsion, problems in the workplace, or legal difficulties (staying out after dark without permission; running away from home; truancy; etc.).

Conduct disorder may lead to the development of Antisocial Personality Disorder during adulthood.

Source: Children Welfare Information Gateway

Last reviewed October 2023