Conduct disorder, childhood-onset type

This code signifies a persistent pattern of behavior in a child or adolescent that violates the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules, with onset of at least one symptom characteristic of conduct disorder before age 10 years. These behaviors include aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, and serious violations of rules. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

Assign this code when documentation specifies a diagnosis of conduct disorder with a clear indication of symptom onset before the age of 10. This diagnosis requires a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation confirming the presence of at least three characteristic symptoms over the past 12 months, with at least one symptom present in the past 6 months. Ensure the medical record differentiates this from adolescent-onset conduct disorder.

• Differentiate carefully between childhood-onset and adolescent-onset conduct disorder (F91.2) based on the documented age of symptom onset.
• Do not code if the behaviors are solely due to an underlying substance use disorder or another mental health condition that better explains the symptoms.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis when it is the focus of treatment, or as a secondary diagnosis when co-occurring with other mental health conditions.