Thomas is a high school student who has a long history of negative experiences in school and with the authorities. He is aggressive and continuously lies to adults in his life. He has been arrested for destroying school property and stealing from a local grocery store. Thomas's behaviors are characteristic of which disorder?

A. Conduct disorder
B. Depression disorder
C. Mood disorder
D. Oppositional defiant disorder

The answer is A. Conduct disorder.

Explanation:

Conduct disorders are described as repetitive patterns of behaviour, most usually presented in adolescents, characterised by their antisocial nature. This means the person might engage in crime, violation of others' rights, and behaviours considered inappropriate for their age. When this condition persists, it could be diagnosed as antisocial personality disorder at the age of eighteen.

A conduct disorder

Explanation:

is a serious behavioral and emotional disorder that can occur in children and teens. A child with this disorder may display a pattern of disruptive and violent behavior and have problems following rules.

It is not uncommon for children and teens to have behavior-related problems at some time during their development. However, the behavior is considered to be a conduct disorder when it is long-lasting and when it violates the rights of others, goes against accepted norms of behavior and disrupts the child's or family's everyday life.