Conduct disorders are behaviors in which a person violates the rights of others and consistently breaks basic social rules. They tend to occur in childhood or adolescence and affect boys more often than girls. Patients with conduct disorders struggle to behave in a socially acceptable fashion.

Conduct disorders are classified as either childhood-onset type (symptoms appear before age 10) or adolescent-onset type (symptoms appear after age 10). There are four major types:

• Aggressive conduct
• Nonaggressive conduct
• Deceitfulness or theft
• Serious violations of rules

Many of the behaviors associated with conduct disorders resemble typical childhood rebellion and trauma, but are much more severe. Patients may act aggressively toward others and engage in bullying behavior or pick fights. They may tend to lie, skip classes, run away from home or engage in substance abuse. Recklessness and risk-taking behavior are characteristic of patients with a conduct disorder.

Certain factors appear to be highly correlated with a diagnosis of a conduct disorder. These include conflict in the child’s family of origin, including abuse, neglect, marital problems between parents or caregivers and parental substance abuse problems.

If a physician suspects a conduct disorder, the child will likely be referred to a mental health professional. This expert will observe the child’s behavior. In addition, standard tests or other psychological assessment tools may be used. Particular criteria, established by the American Psychiatric Association, are used to make a diagnosis of a conduct disorder.