Tag Archives: conduct disorder

Diagnostic Criteria for Conduct Disorder

In previous articles on Conduct Disorder, we looked at some of the genetic and environmental elements which contribute to the development of this condition. Today we look at the diagnostic requisites for a formal diagnosis if conduct disorder. A. A persistent pattern of ignoring the basic rights of others. Age-appropriate rules are repeatedly violated. The presence of three of the following behaviors in the past 12 months, and at least one in the last six months is required. Bullies, threatens or intimidates others Initiates physical fights Uses weapons to facilitate fighting (such as knives, bats, broken bottles, etc) Is physically … Continue reading →

Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder is one of the newer categories appearing in the official DSM-IV-TR criteria. It has been specially created to describe and categorize children who engage in behaviors that violate societal rules. In effect, Conduct Disorder is a sub-category of Antisocial Personality Disorder which we will be discussing in coming articles. Many children with conduct disorder go on to become juvenile delinquents and have a higher than average rate of drug use. Unfortunately this early manifestation of antisocial behavior is a strong indicator that as the child reaches physical maturity, a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) may be given … Continue reading →

Conduct Disorder: A Frightening Reality

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When I first heard of conduct disorder, I wondered whether it was some conjured up name for kids who’ve been badly parented. I mean, honestly… “conduct” disorder? Have we gone so far with creating disorders and diseases that we’re giving bad behavior a medical excuse? But the symptoms of conduct disorder are so shockingly anti-social that, one must reason that something has gone wrong in the child’s psyche. This is not merely the case of a spoiled, manipulative child who throws tantrums. The child with conduct disorder has a surprising inability to feel empathy for other living things. This is … Continue reading →