Factors which predict the persistence of aggressive conduct disorder.

Fifty-three boys with aggressive conduct disorder were followed up 2 years after their original examination. Twenty-four (45%) no longer had the disorder and were classified as improved. A discriminant function analysis identified characteristics of the boys and their families which accurately predicted the outcome for 85% of the boys. Among the predictors of persisting conduct disorder were a variety of antisocial or aggressive symptoms, firesetting, early age of onset and family deviance.