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Characteristic behavior appears before age 15, although the diagnosis may not be apparent until adulthood. The essential feature of this disorder is a pattern of irresponsible and antisocial behavior beginning in childhood or early adolescence (known under the name of Conduct Disorder) and continuing into adulthood. Before age 15 symptoms of conduct disorder are: lying, stealing, truancy, vandalism, initiating fighting, running away from home, and physical cruelty. In adulthood this pattern continues, and may include failure to honor financial obligations, to function as a responsible parents or to plan ahead, and an inability to sustain consistent work behavior. A lack of socialization along with behavior patterns that bring a person repeatedly into conflict with society; incapacity for significant loyalty to others or to social values; callousness; irresponsibility; impulsiveness; and inability to feel guilt or learn from experience or punishment. These people fail to conform to social norms and repeatedly perform antisocial acts that are grounds for arrest, such as destroying property, harassing others, stealing, and having an illegal occupation. Frustration tolerance is low and such people tend to blame others or give plausible rationalizations for their behavior They tend to be irritable and aggressive and to get repeatedly into physical fights and assaults, including spouse- or child-beating. Reckless behavior without regard to personal safety is common, as indicated by frequently driving while intoxicated. Typically, these people are promiscuous; they have no remorse or guilt about the effects of their behavioron others; they may even feel justified in having hurt or mistreated others. They abuse tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. They have no regard for truth; they always blame others or society for anything happening to them in the negative sense. Symptoms This disorder is characterized by a long-standing pattern of a disregard for other people's rights, often crossing the line and violating those rights. This pattern of behavior has occurred since age 15 (although only adults 18 years or older can be diagnosed with this disorder) and consists by the presence of the majority of these symptoms:
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