Conduct Disorder (312.81

triggers. It must occur twice a week for at least three months to make the diagnosis. Some

explosive outbursts are normal and common, with a prevalence of the actual disorder being

about 8 percent of young people. It is usually seen in those under 40 years of age but can be

diagnosed at any age.

The consequences of intermittent explosive disorder are great. It is the underlying factor in

domestic violence, property damage, road rage, and child abuse. There are severe relationship

problems because of this and there may be serious legal consequences if there is injury to

property or other persons.

The onset of IED happens at around the age of twelve but can be seen in kids as young as six

years old. Besides the military and obese individuals, those who’ve been subjected to physical

abuse, child abuse, assault, and human rights violations are at a high risk. The use of alcohol will

exacerbate the disorder. Comorbidities include PTSD, depressive disorders, substance use

disorders, borderline personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder.

The goal of treatment is remission in which few symptoms persist. The patient generally

doesn’t seek help themselves but are court-ordered or encouraged to seek help by loved ones.

There is poor insight into the problem and blaming often occurs. The person sees aggressive

behavior as a strength rather than a weakness. The therapist is not often seen as a supportive

person. Mood stabilizers and antidepressants are often used because therapy isn’t always

successful.

The overall prognosis for the disorder is reasonably good with an average disease duration of

12-20 years. The numbers of aggressive outbursts in general will decrease as the person ages.

Those who seek treatment can learn anger management, stress management, and positive

coping skills.

CONDUCT DISORDER (312.81)

Conduct disorder or CD is generally a disorder of individuals under the age of eighteen years

who do not conform to societal or legal norms as would be appropriate for their age. It is also

referred to as “juvenile delinquency” and usually comes to the attention of the juvenile justice

system or the school system. This is considered a precursor disorder for antisocial personality

disorder, especially in those who show no emotion or who are extraordinarily callous.

The comorbidity most commonly seen with this is ADHD because these individuals are often

bullied or mistreated by peers, putting them at risk for conduct disorder and adult criminality.

Oppositional defiant disorder may be a preexisting condition and both diagnoses can be made

in the same individual. The rate of adult criminality in those with conduct disorder is about 50

percent.

To make the diagnosis, the DSM-V requires at least four of the following symptoms to be

present:

A. Frequent physical altercations

B. Usage of a weapon to hurt others

C. Aggressive behavior toward others

D. Deliberate physical cruelty to others

E. Cruelty to animals

F. Involvement in a violent crime, such as mugging

G. Forces sex upon another

H. Arson causing property destruction

I. Property destruction through other mechanisms

J. Non-confrontational crime, such as breaking and entering

K. Retail theft behavior

L. Curfew disregarding prior to the age of 13

M. Has been truant before thirteen years of age

N. Has run away from home at least twice

The only time it is diagnosed in those older than eighteen years of age is when the full criteria

for antisocial personality disorder is not met. The behaviors must cause significant impairment

in functioning. Qualifiers are related to the age at onset (or unspecified age), limited emotions