Conduct Disorders (F91)
DSM-5-TR: Conduct Disorder
ICD-10-AM and DSM-5-TR may classify conditions differently. Refer to APA and WHO for complete diagnostic criteria.
Key Facts
ICD-10 Range
F90-F98
Subcodes
6 subcodes
Australian Prevalence
Conduct disorders affect approximately 2-5% of Australian school-age children. Boys are affected 3-4 times more frequently than girls.
Global Prevalence
Worldwide prevalence approximately 2-10% of school-age children, varying by definition and methodology.
Duration Requirement
Pattern of behaviour present for at least 6 months
Overview
Conduct disorders are characterised by a repetitive and persistent pattern of dissocial, aggressive, or defiant conduct. Such behaviour should amount to major violations of age-appropriate social expectations and is more severe than ordinary childish mischief or adolescent rebelliousness.
Diagnostic Criteria (ICD-10)
Core Features
- Repetitive and persistent pattern of dissocial, aggressive, or defiant conduct
- Behaviour represents major violations of age-appropriate social expectations
- More severe than ordinary childish mischief or adolescent rebelliousness
- Persistent pattern (not isolated antisocial acts)
Duration
Pattern of behaviour present for at least 6 months
Exclusion Criteria
- Dissocial behaviour in context of mood disorder (use F32/F33)
- Schizophrenia (F20)
- Hyperkinetic disorders as primary diagnosis (use F90)
ICD-10-AM Subcodes
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| F91.0 | Conduct disorder confined to the family context | |
| F91.1 | Unsocialised conduct disorder | |
| F91.2 | Socialised conduct disorder | |
| F91.3 | Oppositional defiant disorder | |
| F91.8 | Other conduct disorders | |
| F91.9 | Conduct disorder, unspecified |
Classification Boundaries
Includes
- Conduct disorder (various types)
- Oppositional defiant disorder
Excludes1 (coded elsewhere)
- Mood disorders (F30-F39)
- Hyperkinetic disorders (F90) when primary
Excludes2 (may co-occur)
- Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct (F43.24)
Australian Clinical Context
Conduct disorders in Australian children and adolescents are managed through child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), school-based support, and community programs. Evidence-based parenting and early-intervention programs are available; refer to RACGP and Beyond Blue practitioner resources for current options.
Medicare (MBS) Pathways
Better Access to Mental Health Care
The primary Medicare pathway for mental health treatment in Australia. Requires a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) referral. Available for any clinically diagnosed mental disorder.
| Provider Type | MBS Items | Session Type |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | 80000–80025 | Psychological therapy (higher rebate) |
| Registered Psychologist | 80100–80123 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Occupational Therapist | 80125–80145 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Social Worker | 80150–80175 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Psychiatrist | 291, 296–299, 300–308 | Psychiatric consultation |
Clinical Psychologist
Registered Psychologist
Occupational Therapist
Social Worker
GP referral items: 2700, 2701, 2715, 2717
Eligibility: Any clinically diagnosed mental disorder as defined by WHO ICD-10 Chapter V. Requires a GP or psychiatrist referral.
Exclusions:
- Intellectual disability (use Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder pathway or specialist referral)
- Dementia and organic mental disorders (use specialist referral pathway)
- Tobacco use disorder
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Reference information sourced from MBS Online (mbsonline.gov.au). Item availability, rebates, and eligibility criteria may change. This is not billing advice — always verify current items before claiming. Last verified: April 2026.
Clinical Documentation Notes
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD, F91.3) and Conduct Disorder are separate diagnoses in DSM-5-TR. ODD is typically diagnosed in younger children and may precede conduct disorder. Document specific behaviours, settings where they occur, duration, and impact on functioning. Consider comorbid ADHD, which is common.
Related Diagnostic Codes
ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Conduct Disorders (F91).
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR. 2022.
- Triple P International. Evidence base for positive parenting.
Clinical Scoring Calculator — Not a Diagnostic Tool
This tool calculates scores based on published guidelines for professional reference. It does not provide clinical diagnoses. Scores are provided as reference information only and should be interpreted by a qualified practitioner in the context of a comprehensive assessment.
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