A 13-year-old boy has a history of theft, vandalism, and violence toward family pets. What is the most likely diagnosis?

The most likely diagnosis for this 13-year-old boy, given his behaviors of theft, vandalism, and violence toward family pets, aligns with conduct disorder. Conduct disorder is characterized by a pattern of behavior in children and adolescents that involves violating the basic rights of others, societal norms, or rules. This includes serious transgressions such as aggression toward people or animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness, or theft.

In cases of conduct disorder, the individual usually demonstrates a more severe level of antisocial behaviors compared to other similar disorders. The behaviors mentioned in the vignette indicate not just mild defiance or opposition, but significant violations that can lead to harm to others or property, reflecting the more serious nature of conduct disorder.

In contrast, oppositional defiant disorder encompasses a pattern of angry or irritable mood, argumentative behavior, or vindictiveness but does not include the severe antisocial behaviors seen in conduct disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder primarily involves excessive anxiety and worry about various aspects of life, which is not consistent with the described behaviors. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) typically involves hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention rather than the specific aggressive acts or violations of rules highlighted in this scenario.

Considering these points