Conduct Disorder Subtype and Comorbidity
Daniel F. Connor MDJulian D. Ford PhD
David B. Albert PhD
Leonard A. Doerfler PhD
pages: 161 - 168
- DOI: 10.1080/10401230701465269
- Version of record first published: 03Aug2007
Abstract:
Background. Conduct disorder is considered difficult to treat, but comorbid psychiatric disorders may be a basis for treating some youths with conduct disorder. We sought to identify patterns of comorbid psychiatric diagnoses and psychopathology associated with conduct disorder by reported age-of-onset.
Methods. Referred children and adolescents, aged 4–17 years old, were clinically evaluated. Ages of onset of CD symptoms (N = 53) were ascertained and divided according to DSM-IV criteria as childhood onset (< 10 years old) or adolescent onset (≥ 10 years old).
Results. Childhood-onset conduct disorder was associated with higher rates of ADHD and anxiety disorders, male gender, and perceived and total hostility scores than adolescent-onset conduct disorder. Adolescent-onset was associated with higher rates of PTSD, alcohol and substance use disorders, complex comorbidity (i.e., 6+ diagnoses lifetime), and female gender.
Conclusions. Understanding age-of-onset-related patterns of comorbidity may facilitate psychiatric treatment planning in children and adolescents with conduct disorder.