Conduct Disorder DSM Diagnosis Guide | Cadabams CDC
As a parent, seeing persistent aggression, deceit, or rule-breaking in your child can feel overwhelming. Understanding the Conduct Disorder diagnosis in DSM can give you clarity and a path forward. This guide breaks down the DSM-5 criteria in plain language, explains why an accurate label matters, and shows how Cadabams CDC turns that label into a plan for change.
DSM-5 Conduct Disorder Snapshot
Primary diagnostic features
The DSM-5 clusters 15 possible behaviours into four key areas:
- Aggression to people or animals
- Destruction of property
- Deceitfulness or theft
- Serious violations of rules
Age of onset specifiers
- Childhood-onset: at least one symptom before age 10
- Adolescent-onset: no symptoms before age 10
Severity levels (mild, moderate, severe)
- Mild: few symptoms beyond the minimum; minor harm to others
- Moderate: between mild and severe; clear social or academic impact
- Severe: many symptoms or extreme behaviours; substantial harm to others
DSM-IV to DSM-5 Conduct Disorder Comparison Table
| Aspect | DSM-IV | DSM-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Core criteria | 15 symptoms, 3 clusters | Same 15 symptoms, 4 clusters |
| Added specifiers | None | Limited prosocial emotions specifier (callous–unemotional traits) |
| Age specifiers | Childhood vs. adolescent onset retained | Same, plus “with limited prosocial emotions” |
| Impact on prevalence | Slight rise due to specifier use | More accurate subtype identification |
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria Breakdown
15 Symptom Checklist (grouped by 4 domains)
- Aggression (bullying, fights, cruelty)
- Destruction (fire-setting, vandalism)
- Deceitfulness (lying, conning, theft)
- Rule violations (truancy, running away, staying out late) Your child needs at least 3 symptoms in the past 12 months (with 1 in the last 6 months).
Rule-outs
- ODD: less severe, no property destruction or serious violations
- ADHD: impulsivity without aggression or deceit
- Adjustment disorder: symptoms tied to a clear stressor and shorter duration
Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters
- Early intervention outcomes: Children diagnosed before adolescence respond better to therapy and family training.
- Risk of progression: Without treatment, up to 40 % may develop antisocial personality disorder as adults.
- School & family support: A clear DSM label unlocks special-education services and community resources.
How Cadabams CDC Assesses for Conduct Disorder
Step-by-step evaluation process
- Intake call: Parents share concerns and developmental history.
- Standardised tools
- DISC (Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children)
- CBCL (Child Behavior Checklist)
- Clinician interview with parents and child
- Multi-source input
- Teacher questionnaires
- Family observation sessions at home or school The team then meets to align findings with Conduct Disorder diagnosis in DSM criteria and crafts an individualised plan.