Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a persistent pattern of aggressive and rule-violating behavior lasting more than 6 months during childhood or adolescence. Structural, functional, and chemical changes in the brain—including reduced prefrontal cortex activity and altered amygdala reactivity—impair impulse control, empathy, and consequence evaluation. Genetic predisposition combined with adverse childhood experiences drives the behavioral defiance that escalates from property destruction to harm against people or animals. The nurse monitors for safety concerns, implements structured behavioral expectations as directed, and reports escalation patterns to the care team.