Conduct Problems in Youth: Phenomenology, Classification, and Epidemiology

Abstract

(from the chapter) This chapter describes conduct disorder and its prevalence. Youth with conduct problems comprise a heterogeneous group of children and adolescents who engage in a broad array of problem behaviors ranging from defiance, argumentativeness, and temper outbursts to physical aggression, destructiveness, and stealing. Taken together, these problem behaviors continue to be the most frequent basis for child and adolescent referrals to mental health clinics and residential treatment facilities. Although almost all children display some aggressive behavior at some point in their lives, these behaviors are considered to be indicative of a clinical syndrome when they are severe, persistent, and lead to significant impairment in psychosocial functioning. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders includes two such clinical disorders in youth: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD). For the purposes of this book, the term "conduct problems" will be used to refer to this broad constellation of aggressive behaviors; however, DSM categorizations will be used in those instances when a formal diagnosis is being referenced or discussed. This chapter focuses on the classification, phenomenology, developmental course, and epidemiology of aggression and conduct problems in youth including subtypes, stability, and comorbid conditions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (chapter)