Disorders of conduct in young children: Developmental considerations, diagnoses, and other characteristics

Disorders of conduct are the most common reason for preschoolers to be referred for psychological services. If these problems are severe enough, these young children will be diagnosed with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis or a diagnosis from another diagnostic systems, such as the DSM-PC or DC: 0-3. Whether or not these young children receive a diagnosis for the constellation of conduct problems that they exhibit, it is well documented that young children who exhibit such problems at such an early age are likely to continue exhibiting similar behaviors and to have several related difficulties throughout their lifetime. In an effort to alleviate such problems for young children, several treatment options have been developed and validated. Treatment outcomes suggest that young children with disorders of conduct can be treated and experience more positive outcomes. In an effort to inform mental health and other professionals working with young children with conduct problems, this manuscript outlines the potential diagnoses that these young children may receive and discusses related issues that may be of importance for such diagnoses.