Conduct disorder results in antisocial behavior, such as aggression and drug abuse. A patient with conduct disorder tends to also have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a disorder that causes impulsiveness and inattention, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The University of Virginia Health System states that between 1 and 4 percent of children between the ages of 9 and 17 have conduct disorder, with diagnosis rates higher in boys than in girls.
Brain Function
The University of Virginia Health System notes that patients with conduct disorder show dysfunction in the frontal lobe of the brain when tested with neuropsychological examinations. Located by the forehead, the frontal lobe controls multiple functions, such as planning. A patient with conduct disorder, however, does not learn from her negative experiences and continues to act out. For example, the patient may destroy property, display cruelty towards animals, lie and drink heavily. Impairment of the frontal lobe may prevent the patient from correcting her behavior after she deals with consequences.
Nicotine Exposure
The cause of the conduct disorder may start while the patient's mother is pregnant with him. The Penn State Children's Hospital notes a link between male conduct disorder patients and exposure to nicotine during the pregnancy. The hospital did not note a link between fetal nicotine exposure and female conduct disorder patients. Science Daily adds that in a study performed at the University of Washington, mothers who smoked during the last two trimesters or who were around smokers gave birth to more children with conduct disorder than did mothers who were in smoke-free environments.
Life Experiences
Certain experiences during a patient's life may trigger conduct disorder, especially if the patient has a preexisting risk of developing the disorder. For example, the NIH notes that events associated with conduct disorder include family conflicts, child abuse, poverty and parental drug or alcohol addiction. The Penn State Children's Hospital adds that school problems may result in conduct disorder as they can cause the person to feel frustrated. Other life factors that may cause conduct disorder include neglect, traumatic brain injury and poor relationships.
