211k views
5 votes
A 19-year old is brought to a family service agency by the parents, who report a history of school truancy, deliberate destruction of their property, lying, and stealing since age 14. According the the DSM-5, which of the following diagnoses BEST describes the client?

A. Antisocial personality disorder
B. Oppositional defiant disorder
C. Conduct disorder
D. Intermittent explosive disorder

User Robbe
by
7.9k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The best diagnosis according to the DSM-5 for a 19-year old with a history of truancy, property destruction, lying, and stealing is Conduct Disorder, given the age and behaviors presented.

Step-by-step explanation:

The diagnosis that best describes the 19-year old in question according to the DSM-5 is likely Conduct Disorder. This individual demonstrates a history of behavior issues including truancy, property destruction, lying, and stealing since the age of 14. These behaviors align with the criteria for Conduct Disorder, which typically manifests with a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior where the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated. Antisocial personality disorder, the other potential diagnosis, cannot be diagnosed until the age of 18 and requires a history of Conduct Disorder before the age of 15. Oppositional defiant disorder is characterized by angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness, but it lacks the more severe aggressive and law-breaking behaviors seen in Conduct Disorder. Intermittent explosive disorder is marked by sudden episodes of unwarranted anger and violence, which does not appear to be present in this case.

User Soturi
by
7.1k points