Which of the following best distinguishes conduct disorders from personality disorders?

• A. Conduct disorders typically begin in childhood or adolescence, while personality disorders are usually diagnosed in adulthood.
• B. Personality disorders are only diagnosed in children, while conduct disorders are only diagnosed in adults.
• C. Personality disorders are characterized by temporary behavioral problems, whereas conduct disorders involve long-term personality traits.
• D. Conduct disorders are not associated with any violation of social norms, while personality disorders always involve criminal behavior.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definitions of both conduct disorders and personality disorders. Conduct disorders involve a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior where the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms are violated, often beginning in childhood or adolescence.
2. Step 2: Recognize that personality disorders are enduring patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviate markedly from the expectations of the individual's culture, are pervasive and inflexible, and typically become recognizable in adolescence or early adulthood.
3. Step 3: Compare the typical age of onset for both disorders. Conduct disorders usually start in childhood or adolescence, while personality disorders are generally diagnosed in adulthood after patterns have become stable.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the nature of behaviors involved. Conduct disorders involve specific behavioral problems such as aggression, destruction of property, deceitfulness, or serious rule violations, whereas personality disorders involve long-term personality traits affecting cognition, affectivity, interpersonal functioning, and impulse control.
5. Step 5: Use this understanding to distinguish the disorders by their onset and characteristics, noting that conduct disorders begin earlier and involve behavioral violations, while personality disorders are diagnosed later and involve enduring personality patterns.