A 15-year-old caught spray-painting graffiti is likely to meet criteria for which disorder?

The behavior of a 15-year-old engaging in spray-painting graffiti suggests a pattern of serious rule-breaking and antisocial behavior, which aligns with the criteria for conduct disorder. Conduct disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or societal norms are violated. This can include acts of aggression toward people or animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, and serious violations of rules.

In this scenario, the act of vandalism through graffiti not only shows a disregard for societal rules but also encompasses a component of impulsivity and aggression, as it involves damaging another’s property. Individuals with conduct disorder may also exhibit behaviors such as lying, stealing, and other forms of deceit, which may be observed alongside other antisocial behaviors.

This disorder typically presents in childhood or adolescence and can have significant implications for future behavior and functioning. By identifying this behavior within the framework of conduct disorder, it becomes clear that the youth is at risk for further antisocial behaviors if interventions are not put in place.

The other options, while they are relevant to various behavioral or developmental issues in children and adolescents, do not capture the nature of the actions described as effectively as conduct disorder does. Oppositional defiant disorder, for