What symptom is most likely experienced by patients diagnosed with conduct disorder?

Patients diagnosed with conduct disorder often exhibit a range of disruptive and harmful behaviors that can include aggression toward people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness, and serious violations of rules. One prominent symptom associated with conduct disorder is risk-taking behavior. These individuals may engage in risky activities that pose physical harm to themselves or others, reflecting a lack of regard for their safety and the safety of those around them.

Risk-taking behaviors can manifest in various forms, such as reckless driving, substance abuse, or involvement in criminal activities. This tendency to engage in risky behaviors is closely tied to the impulsivity and defiance often seen in conduct disorder, highlighting a broader pattern of behavioral problems characterized by a fundamental disregard for societal norms and the rights of others.

In contrast, chronic sadness, fear of rejection, and emotional withdrawal tend to be more associated with mood and anxiety disorders, rather than conduct disorder, which is marked by more overt and aggressive actions. Hence, the identification of risk-taking behaviors as a symptom of conduct disorder aligns with the core characteristics of the disorder.