Classification of Conduct Disorders

Abstract

Classification involves setting up clear and explicit rules (i.e., criteria) for determining the presence of disorders, in our case conduct disorders. The actual use of a classification system to determine if a disorder is present in a particular child or adolescent is the process of diagnosis. There are many important issues involved in developing and using classification systems for making psychiatric diagnoses and these issues have been the subject of many interesting and clinically important articles (e.g., Blashfield & Livesley, 1991; Morey, 1991). As mentioned, the process of diagnosis is an unavoidable part of clinical practice. In almost every clinical setting, clinicians make decisions about whether or not a child’s behavior should be considered “disordered” and in need of treatment. Classification systems provide a clear and explicit method for making these decisions, so that there is some consistency in the diagnostic process across different clinicians. Given the importance of the diagnostic process to clinical practice, it is essential that clinicians appreciate the complexities involved in classifying children and adolescents with conduct disorders.