Simple versus Complex Conduct Disorders: Identification and Phenomenology

Children with conduct disorders are among the most frequent referrals for psychiatric or other mental health treatment; yet the diagnosis of conduct disorders is also frequently seen as a reason to exclude children or youth from special education and related mental health services. This article highlights the possibility that associated with conduct disorders or its symptoms may be a variety of other psychiatric disorders requiring very different interventions. Extrapolation of symptoms from classroom inattention or disruptive behavior and estimated prevalence are discussed.