Conduct Disorders

Conduct disorders are characterized as the more severe, chronic, and pervasive forms of behavioral problems. They include a range of inappropriate, destructive, and sometimes malicious actions that constitute psychopathology. There are several clinically diagnosed mental health syndromes among conduct disorders. These are based on the constellation of maladaptive personality traits exhibited. This chapter will review the more common forms: oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. In addition, an overview of risk factors and intervention methods will be discussed.

Conduct disorders have the potential to significantly diminish the quality of life and long-term achievement for individuals with these behaviors. In addition, there are substantial emotional and financial costs to educators, families, and communities resulting from aggressive and destructive acts. Fortunately, a variety of interventions ...