Juveniles with Conduct Disorder (CD) are individuals under the age of 18 who exhibit a persistent and repetitive pattern of behavior that violates the basic rights of others or societal norms and rules. Conduct Disorder is a type of behavioral disorder that typically begins in childhood or adolescence and can have significant negative impacts on a person’s life and the lives of those around them.
The diagnostic criteria for Conduct Disorder, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), include several behavioral categories:
Aggression to People and Animals: This may include physically harming others, bullying, initiating fights, using weapons, or being cruel to animals.
Destruction of Property: Individuals may deliberately damage property belonging to others, such as vandalism or arson.
Deceitfulness or Theft: This involves lying, stealing, or other acts of dishonesty for personal gain.
Serious Violations of Rules: This can encompass behaviors like truancy, running away from home, or engaging in activities that are illegal for their age (e.g., substance use).
For a diagnosis of Conduct Disorder, these behaviors must be persistent and cause significant impairment in the individual’s social, academic, or occupational functioning. Additionally, the presence of Conduct Disorder may indicate an increased risk for future problems, such as criminal behavior, substance abuse, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.
It’s important to note that not all juveniles who exhibit problematic behaviors have Conduct Disorder. Many factors can contribute to challenging behaviors in youth, including environmental influences, family dynamics, trauma, and underlying mental health conditions. Early intervention, counseling, and support services can play a crucial role in helping juveniles with Conduct Disorder and addressing the underlying issues contributing to their behavior.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 