Conduct disorders

Abstract

This article discusses the predictive validity of the general diagnostic criteria for conduct disorders according to ICD-10 and DSM-IV-TR. It refers to current findings suggesting phenotyping of early-onset conduct disorders on the basis of neurobiological and personality-specific factors. Findings indicating deficient neurobiological mechanisms of aggressive behavior in relation to emotion perception and emotion regulation are presented, and the importance of possible mediating influences of early psychosocial experiences on neurobiological functions is discussed. Finally, the clinical implications for classification, course, and treatment of conduct disorders are considered.