Disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders
Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder is a persistent, repeated pattern in which a child or adolescent violates other people’s basic rights or major age-appropriate rules. It is not diagnosed from one argument, act of disobedience or isolated offence.
A pattern, not a moral label
The pattern can include aggression towards people or animals, destruction of property, serious deceit or theft, and major rule violations. Assessment considers how often behaviour occurs, how serious the harm is and whether difficulties affect family life, school, friendships or work—not simply whether a disciplinary or legal consequence occurred.
The child’s developmental, family, school and social context matters. Clinicians also assess bullying, victimisation or abuse, learning needs, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, mood symptoms, trauma and substance use. A diagnosis does not define a child’s identity or make their future inevitable.
Assessment
- At least three of the specified behaviours have occurred within 12 months, with at least one present during the most recent six months.
- The pattern causes clinically significant difficulty in social, educational or occupational functioning.
- Assessment specifies childhood, adolescent or unspecified onset and evaluates severity from the number of behaviours and the harm caused.
- For a person aged 18 or over, criteria for antisocial personality disorder must not be met; immediate safeguarding needs are assessed at every age.
Coordinated treatment
Evidence-based support often combines parent or caregiver programmes, positive attention, clear rules, predictable non-violent consequences and calm problem-solving. Children and adolescents may practise recognising intentions, anticipating consequences, regulating emotion and choosing safer alternatives.
For complex or severe presentations, treatment coordinates family, school, community and health services rather than relying on individual sessions alone. ADHD, depression, trauma, substance use and learning needs receive their own treatment. Medication is not routinely used for conduct problems alone; a specialist may consider a time-limited option for persistent severe aggression only after psychosocial approaches and careful assessment.
When to seek help
Seek an assessment when violations repeat, escalate or affect school, family life or safety. Do not wait for an arrest or serious injury. Cruelty, sexual coercion, weapon use, fire-setting, running away or exploitation requires an immediate multidisciplinary response. If a child may be a victim, protection and safe listening come before interpreting the behaviour.