What behavior often characterizes a patient with conduct disorder?

Patients with conduct disorder often engage in high-risk behaviors, which is a defining characteristic of this condition. Conduct disorder is characterized by a pattern of behavior that violates societal norms and the rights of others. This might manifest as aggression toward people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness, or serious rule violations.

High-risk behaviors can include a variety of actions such as physical fights, stealing, vandalism, substance abuse, or reckless driving. These actions demonstrate not just a disregard for the safety and well-being of others but also an impulsive nature that often accompanies the disorder. The lack of empathy and insight into the consequences of such behaviors further exacerbates the issues related to conduct disorder.

In contrast, social withdrawal, excessive worrying, and strong adherence to rules do not align well with the typical behavioral patterns associated with conduct disorder. Social withdrawal often characterizes conditions such as anxiety disorders, while excessive worrying might be more prevalent in anxiety disorders rather than conduct disorder. Strong adherence to rules is at odds with the defiant and rule-violating behaviors seen in conduct disorder. Thus, the engagement in high-risk behavior distinctly encapsulates the troubling and often dangerous worldwide behaviors of individuals with conduct disorder.