The symptoms may vary depending on the age of the child, and severity of the disorder (mild, moderate, or severe). The symptoms fall into four general categories:
Aggressive behaviour: Behaviours that cause physical harm to others and may include instigating or partaking in fights, bullying, being cruel towards others or animals, using weapons, forcing another into sexual activity.
Destructive behavior: Intentional destruction of property through deliberate arson or vandalism
Deceitful behavior: Repeated lying, shoplifting, stealing
Violation of rules: Going against accepted social rules of society or engaging in behaviour that is not appropriate for the person's age, such as truancy, smoking/alcohol/ drugs, or being sexually active at a very young age.
Individuals with conduct disorder might also appear irritable, have low self-esteem, and tend to display temper tantrums. Individuals with conduct disorder might experience difficulties understanding how their behaviour can cause hurt to others, and generally show little guilt or remorse about their actions.