Conduct disorder (CD), which is informally perceived as juvenile delinquency, is a behavioral and emotional disorder of childhood and adolescence. Children with conduct disorder act inappropriately, infringe on the rights of others, and violate the behavioral expectations of others.

Conduct disorder is present in approximately 9% of boys and 2-9% of girls under the age of 18. Children with conduct disorder act out aggressively and express anger inappropriately. They engage in a variety of antisocial and destructive acts, including violence toward people and animals, destroying property, lying, stealing, skipping school, and running away from home. They often begin using and abusing drugs and alcohol, and having sex at an early age. Irritability, temper tantrums, and low self-esteem are common personality traits of children with conduct disorder. A trademark of the disorder is the sufferer's refusal to take responsibility for his or her problematic behavior.

The Diagnostic and Statistical...