Definition of Conduct disorder
Conduct disorder is a disorder of childhood and adolescence that involves chronic behavior problems, such as:
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Conduct disorder has been associated with:
Signs and tests
Some of the common signs of conduct disorder are:
Treatment
Successful treatment requires close involvement of the child’s family. Parents can learn techniques to help manage their child’s problem behavior.
Expectations (prognosis)
Children who have severe or frequent symptoms tend to have the poorest outlook. Expectations are also worse for those who have other illnesses, such as mood and drug abuse disorders.
Review
Christos Ballas, MD, Attending Psychiatrist, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 1/15/2009
