This is a retrospective and descriptive study of 30 children and adolescents with conduct disorders diagnosed for the first time this year (1993) at the Child and Family Consultation Unit, UKM. Eleven of them were diagnosed to have a Socialized Conduct Disorder, 8 had symptoms of Unsocialized Conduct Disorder, whilst 4 had Conduct Disorder confined to the family context. Another 5 had Depressive Conduct Disorders while 2 had features of other mixed disorders of conduct and emotions. Most them were boys and were ten years old and above. The majority presented with at least one year history of illness and school authorities played an important role in being the main referral agency. Prominent abnormal psychosocial situations were inadequate or inconsistent parental control and discordant intro familial relationships. Socio-economic status and geographical differences were associated with the prevalence of the disorder. The main symptomatology found were disobedience and frequent lying, stealing, truancy and fighting or bullying.
Study site: outpatient clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur