In the United States, it is estimated that 1 to 4 percent of all youth in the 9- to 17-year-old age group have conduct disorder, according to the National Mental Health Information Center, a division of SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Conduct disorder is a mental health condition categorized as a disruptive behavior disorder. This condition is characterized by repetitive and persistent behavioral and emotional problems with symptoms lasting a minimum of six months, Children and adolescents with this problem have great difficulty behaving in a socially acceptable manner in all settings, which significantly affects all aspects of their own lives as well as the lives of their friends and families. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, factors that may lead to development of conduct disorder include brain damage, genetic predisposition, child abuse and traumatic past experiences.
Aggression
Aggressive behavior that causes actual or threatened physical harm to people and animals is one of the common signs of conduct disorder. Acts such as bullying, intimidating and picking fights for no reason fall under behavioral symptoms. Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, includes such examples of these outward symptoms as mugging, purse snatching, using weapons and forcing sexual activity. Other symptomatic behaviors include cruelty toward animals without feelings of remorse. Aggression causes affected children to experience social isolation and poor relationships with everyone around them.
Destruction
Inflicting deliberate and intentional destruction or damage to others' personal property is a behavioral symptom of conduct disorder. Acts such as setting fires, vandalizing and breaking and entering are common. These issues cause those affected with conduct disorder higher rates of detentions, school expulsions and problems with the law, states the SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center.
Deceitfulness
According to Mental Health America, lying and other deceitful actions also characterize symptoms of conduct disorder. These behaviors include cheating, conning others, lying to obtain favors and avoiding responsibilities or obligations. Theft also falls under this category of symptoms such as unlawfully breaking into others' homes or cars.
Rule Violation
Disregard for rules, regulations and the law goes beyond "normal" rebellion in children and adolescents with conduct disorder. Running away from home, staying out longer than allowed and truancy from school before age 13 are some of the behaviors, according to Mental Health America. Underage heavy drinking, smoking and drug use may also occur, with associated major risks for dependency and other health issues.
