Certain factors appear to be highly correlated with a diagnosis of a conduct disorder. These include conflict in the child’s family, such as abuse, neglect, marital problems between parents and parental substance abuse problems.

Some research indicates that children who are especially fussy as infants may be at higher risk for developing conduct disorders later. Children with conduct disorders may have had oppositional defiant disorder in early childhood. Having a family history of mental health disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, mood disorders and substance abuse also increases the risk, especially if a biological parent has one of these conditions. Research also shows that children who display aggressive or thrill-seeking behavior have an increased risk of developing a conduct disorder.

Other factors that may be associated with conduct disorders include:

• Brain damage
• Genetic problems
• History of maternal smoking during pregnancy
• Lack of adult supervision
• Peer rejection or association with delinquent peers
• Physical or sexual abuse