Antisocial behaviour and conduct disorders

Information for the public

The term 'antisocial behaviour' is used to describe actions that are:

upsetting or hurtful to other people
aggressive or frightening to other people
against rules
unlawful, such as stealing or damaging property.

Antisocial behaviour by a child or young person that happens regularly over a period of time could be caused by a problem known as a 'conduct disorder.' Children and young people with a conduct disorder can also find it difficult to control their temper and may lie to others.

A type of conduct disorder called 'oppositional defiant disorder' is more common in younger children. In these children the antisocial behaviour is less severe and often involves arguing with ('opposing') and disobeying ('defying') the adults who look after them.

This information uses the term 'conduct disorder' to mean both conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.