In simple words: Conduct disorder is a mental health condition affecting children and teenagers. These individuals repeatedly behave in ways that violate the rights of others or break important social rules. They may act aggressively, destroy property, lie or steal, or skip school. Often, they don't feel guilty or show remorse for their actions. While some conduct problems are a normal part of growing up, conduct disorder involves a more serious and persistent pattern of misbehavior.

Conduct disorder is a mental disorder diagnosed in childhood or adolescence characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior where the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate social norms or rules are violated. These behaviors can include aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, and serious violations of rules.The DSM-5 further categorizes conduct disorder by childhood-onset type (symptoms present before age 10) and adolescent-onset type (symptoms appearing after age 10). Childhood-onset is associated with more persistent and pervasive behaviors, greater levels of ADHD symptoms, neuropsychological deficits, academic problems, family dysfunction, aggression, and violence.Conduct disorder is often seen as a precursor to antisocial personality disorder, but this can only be diagnosed after age 18. The ICD classifies conduct disorders similarly, with subtypes such as confined to family, childhood-onset, adolescent-onset, and oppositional defiant disorder.Aggression in conduct disorder can manifest as bullying, physical violence, threats, or forcing sexual activity. Destruction of property might include fire-setting and vandalism. Deceitfulness can present as lying, stealing, and breaking into homes or businesses. Serious rule violations include breaking curfew, running away, truancy, and defying parental rules.Children with conduct disorder often experience irritability, low self-esteem, and temper tantrums. They may also have difficulty showing empathy or remorse. Diagnosis involves evaluating medical and psychiatric history, signs, symptoms, and a physical exam. Neuroimaging studies and blood tests may be conducted to rule out physical causes for the behavior. While there's no specific medication for conduct disorder, medications for ADHD or other comorbid mental illnesses can address symptoms like impulsivity, aggression, and depression.Treatment primarily includes long-term psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT) and parent management training.

Example 1: A 12-year-old boy repeatedly bullies other children, steals from stores, and skips school. He shows no remorse for his actions and has been suspended from school multiple times., A 9-year-old girl frequently sets fires, harms animals, and is openly defiant towards her parents.She has a history of early aggression and has been involved in several physical altercations with other children., A 15-year-old boy consistently lies, stays out past curfew, and vandalizes property. He often uses drugs and alcohol, and shows little concern for the consequences of his actions. Despite repeated punishments, his behavior doesn't change.

Documentation should include a detailed history of the patient’s behavior, including specific examples of aggressive actions, rule violations, and other antisocial behaviors.The duration and frequency of these behaviors, as well as their impact on the patient’s functioning at home, school, and in social settings, should be noted.Any evidence of comorbid conditions, such as ADHD, depression, or anxiety, should also be documented. Treatment plans, including therapy types and medication details (if any), should also be thoroughly recorded.

** Conduct disorder often requires a long-term, multi-modal treatment approach involving individual therapy, family therapy, and possibly medication management. The prognosis varies depending on the severity of the symptoms, age of onset, and the presence of comorbid conditions. Early intervention and consistent treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.