Discussion-Conduct Disorder
The relationship between various Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnoses and criminal behavior has long been examined and debated. One of the more controversial questions centers on the stigma of certain comorbid diagnoses.
Conduct disorder is a childhood disorder characterized by aggressive or destructive behavior that significantly disrupts the child or adolescent's environment-school, home, and relationships. This disorder has long been classified as an early stage in the trajectory of ongoing criminal or antisocial behavior. However, some studies have found that not all individuals diagnosed with conduct disorder go on to commit crimes later in life. There has been concern about labeling youth with a diagnosis of conduct disorder, which is why this is an important topic to understand when working with court-involved youth.
Using the readings for this module, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet respond to the following:
Describe the diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder and other common comorbid diagnoses.
Explain the stigma attached to a diagnosis of conduct disorder.
Examine how a diagnosis of conduct disorder can impact treatment services provided to youth.
Examine whether youth diagnosed with conduct disorder are viewed or treated differently in the legal system.