Conduct Disorder
Conduct Disorder (CD) is a serious behavioral condition which can include symptoms such as aggression toward people or animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, and serious violations of rules. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 8% of children aged 3 to 17 years in the United States have been diagnosed with behavior disorders, including CD, with a higher prevalence in boys than girls2.
CD often manifests in late childhood or early adolescence. Early identification and intervention are crucial to prevent the escalation of antisocial behaviors and to improve long-term outcomes. Disparities in diagnosis and access to treatment persist, particularly among racial and ethnic minority groups, low-income families, and children residing in rural areas1.
The AACAP emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluation for children exhibiting disruptive behaviors, including screening for co-occurring conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, or substance use disorders1. Treatment typically involves a combination of parent management training, cognitive-behavioral therapy, school-based interventions, and, when appropriate, pharmacologic management of comorbid conditions. Culturally responsive, family-centered, and multidisciplinary approaches, particularly when initiated early, can improve behavioral regulation, strengthen family relationships, and reduce long-term social and legal consequences.
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (2023). Conduct disorder.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Data and statistics on children's mental health.
- The conduct and oppositional defiant disorder scales (CODDS) for disruptive behaviour disorders (PMC)
- Conduct Disorder: Recognition and Management | AAFP
- MATCH-ADTC: Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Conduct Problems | Children's Behavioral Health Resource Center
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