Which statement best characterizes Conduct Disorder of childhood onset?

Which statement best characterizes Conduct Disorder of childhood onset?

• A. Onset before age 10 with a persistent pattern of aggressive and disruptive behavior
• B. Onset after adolescence
• C. Equal prevalence in boys and girls
• D. Good prognosis with early intervention

Answer: (A)

Childhood-onset Conduct Disorder is defined by an onset before age 10 with a persistent pattern of aggression toward people or animals, destruction of property, deceit or theft, and serious violations of rules across multiple settings. This early start signals a more severe and enduring form of the disorder, which tends to be resistant to treatment and carries a higher risk of continuing antisocial behavior into adulthood, including the potential development of antisocial personality traits. Adolescent-onset forms, by contrast, typically emerge around puberty and are often more linked to peer influences; they generally have a better prognosis and may remit by adulthood. Additionally, childhood-onset cases are more common in boys than in girls, so equal prevalence is not accurate. Early intervention helps but does not guarantee a favorable outcome.

Childhood-onset Conduct Disorder is defined by an onset before age 10 with a persistent pattern of aggression toward people or animals, destruction of property, deceit or theft, and serious violations of rules across multiple settings. This early start signals a more severe and enduring form of the disorder, which tends to be resistant to treatment and carries a higher risk of continuing antisocial behavior into adulthood, including the potential development of antisocial personality traits.

Adolescent-onset forms, by contrast, typically emerge around puberty and are often more linked to peer influences; they generally have a better prognosis and may remit by adulthood. Additionally, childhood-onset cases are more common in boys than in girls, so equal prevalence is not accurate. Early intervention helps but does not guarantee a favorable outcome.