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The
importantance of diagnosing and treating conduct disorder is often not recognized by the general public. However, conduct disorder increases the risk of several public health problems, including violence, weapon
use, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and dropping out of school (Bardone et al., 1998). Thus, it is important to identify
conduct disorder and begin intervention as early as possible.
Conduct
disorder has two subtypes: childhood onset and adolescent onset. There is a less promising prognosis for childhood conduct
disorder, particularly if left untreated. Behaviors that would lead to a diagnosis of childhood conduct disorder include aggression,
poor peer relationships, and property destruction, for example, deliberately breaking things, setting fires. In about 40 percent
of cases, childhood-onset conduct disorder develops into adult antisocial personality disorder (Kazdin, 1995).
In the evaluation of adolescent conduct disorder, one should consider the social context.
The motivation for the behavior plays is an important aspect of understanding
the social context. For example, adolescents exhibiting conduct disorder behavior
as a part of gang culture or to meet basic survival needs, like stealing food, are often less psychologically disturbed than
those with early childhood histories of behavior disorders. Fortunately, new-onset conduct disorder behavior, such as skipping
school, shoplifting or running away, in the context of a family stressor, often can be corrected if appropriate structure
and support are provided (Searight, Rottnek, & Abby, 2001).
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