Definition of Conduct disorder:

Conduct disorder is a disorder of childhood and adolescence that involves long-term (chronic) behavior problems, such as:

• Defiant or impulsive behavior
• Drug use
• Criminal activity

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Conduct disorder has been associated with:

• Child abuse
• Drug addiction or alcoholism in the parents
• Family conflicts
• Genetic defects
• Poverty

The diagnosis is more common among boys.

It is hard to know how common the disorder is, because many of the qualities needed to make the diagnosis (such as "defiance" and "rule breaking") can be hard to define. For an accurate diagnosis, the behavior must be far more extreme than simple adolescent rebellion or boyish enthusiasm.

Conduct disorder is often associated with attention-deficit disorder. Both conditions carry a risk for alcohol or other drug addiction.

Conduct disorder also can be an early sign of depression or bipolar disorder.