A disorder with an onset in childhood or adolescence that is characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of conduct in which either the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated. People who have conduct disorders may become aggressive and commit acts of physical violence against people, or thefts outside the home which involve confrontation with a victim. Nonaggressive individuals display an antisocial pattern that is characterized by persistent truancy, substance abuse, running away from home, vandalism, fire-setting or robbery. Other associated characteristics include precocious sexual activity, low self-esteem in conjunction with an image of toughness, early smoking and drinking, drugs, poor frustration tolerance, irritability, temper outbursts, provocative recklessness and poor academic achievement.
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