Holden Caulfield Conduct Disorder Essay

Conduct Disorder Presented in The Catcher in the Rye

Holden Caulfied has been known to have many various disorders as shown in the novel, such as, Conduct Disorder. “A form of antisocial behavior characterized by extremely disobedient behavior in children, including vandalism, theft, lying, and drug use” (Conduct Disorder the encyclopedia of Health and Wellness ). Conduct disorder mostly affects younger people and starts during your childhood. Conduct disorder affects 1 to 4 percent of 9- to 17-year-olds, due to lack of supervision or guidance, many people drift off the path and go their own way while violating the rules of society. This may include drug use, vandalism, stealing and antisocial actions. This was especially true for Holden

when he went off on his own in New York. He drank tons of alcohol and lied a lot.

Holden Caulfield showed many disorders throughout the Catcher in the Rye specifically Conduct Disorder having the three symptoms of isolation, drug use, and persistent lying.

Conduct Disorder is especially present in Holden Caulfield all over the novel. To begin, Lying to avoid something is a symptom of this disorder. “A Person with Conduct Disorder often lies to obtain goods or favors or to avoid responsibilities. Also one often breaks rules to stay out at night.” (Conduct Disorder the encyclopedia of learning disabilities). This quote means that a person would lie if they want something or to get out of something. For example, you could lie and say that you are sick to avoid taking your math test and coming to school. A person would do this so they won’t need to do something else. You could also lie to your friends in any situation. For instance, you overhear your friends having a certain pair of shoes. You then jump in and say you also have them, when you however don’t. You lie just to fit in. This is exactly what Holden was doing most of the novel especially on his train ride with Mrs. Morrow;

he lied because of his insecurity. "May I ask your name, dear, ‘Rudolf Schmidt’, I told her. I didn't feel like giving her my whole life history. Rudolf Schmidt was the name of the janitor of our dorm.” (Salinger 9). In this scene Holden Caulfield lied confidently in front of Mrs. Morrow saying how his name is Rudolf Smith when it actually was the janitor’s name. Holden does this because it gives him a sense of emotional security. It shows that Holden is not comfortable with exposing his vulnerability to others and he will do anything, including alienating himself from others because of his lies, to avoid being hurt. Holden doesn’t allow himself to be who he really is or get close to people, he therefore lies. In addition, He feels drawn to talking to this woman. She becomes the first of many individuals outside Pencey whom Holden solicits as a listener and who he fails to make a strong connection with. This makes the Audience realize Holden is isolated and a lonely person seeking a companion.
After leaving Pencey Prep, Holden Caulfield goes to New York after becoming sick of everyone and everything there.

After having a rough childhood, people with Conduct Disorder grow up to become isolated and alienated from the whole of society. “Rejection by parents, peers, and teachers leads these children toward continuing isolation and alienation. Antisocial acts against people and property escalate children with conduct disorders.” (Prerost n.pag.). Without the affection and gratitude from parents, children feel isolated and worthless. They don’t feel like they have parents or families that care for them. This causes them to grow more alone without any friends or family members. People with Conduct Disorder don’t spend a lot of time with others and very minimal time with family. They want to spend time but at the same time don’t want to. They prefer to stay alone. This is one of the causes of Conduct Disorder and alienation/isolation is just one of the symptoms. Holden Caulfield is extremely alienated throughout the novel. When there is was football game Holden was by himself alone compared to everyone else who was at the game. “I remember around three o'clock that afternoon I was standing way the hell up on top of Thomsen Hill, right next to this crazy cannon that was in the Revolutionary War and all. You could see the whole field from there, and you could see the two teams bashing each other all over the place. You couldn't see the grandstand too hot, but you could

hear them all yelling, deep and terrific on the Pencey side, because practically the whole school except me.” (Salinger 2). In this scene Holden Caulfield is isolated by himself from the rest of the student body. Everyone else is at the football game, while Holden is alone standing on top of the hill, glancing at the others. This proves he has Conduct Disorder because one of the symptoms is being anti social. Holden doesn’t spend time with the other students his age. He clearly is antisocial in the beginning of the novel, and all throughout the novel. For example, how he was alone in New York. He checks in Hotels, and goes from place to place alone. Holden’s alienation makes him more vulnerable to the use of drugs and or alcohol. Holden did infact drink alcoholic beverages most of his time during his trip to New York.
Holden Caulfield has been seen smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages during his time in New York. Conduct disorder has also been classified to anyone that overdoses on drugs and alcohol. “Many persons with conduct disorder become involved with illegal drugs and excessive alcohol use” (Prerost n.pag.). Anyone who has conduct disorder might have signs of drinking too much alcohol. They might also do heavy amounts of illegal drugs such as weed, and cocaine. If one smokes illegal drugs and or consumes unhealthy amounts of alcohol along with the normal vandalism, lying and alienation, one might have conduct disorder. Holden smokes cigarettes and drinks an excessive amount of alcohol.“I decided, while I was walking and all, to stop off and have a drink somewhere. I'd only had three drinks at Ernie's, and I didn't even finish the last one. One thing I have, it's a terrific capacity. I can drink all night and not even show it, if I'm in the mood.”(Salinger,) During his night in the city, Holden goes off to get a drink at a bar. He drinks not one, or two but nearly three servings of alcohol. This is an inappropriate amount for a child his age.The fact that Holden drank alcohol was bad. Plus on top of that he says he could drink more. This right there proves he’s an alcoholic. He drank a lot of alcohol, thus making him have a symptom of excessive drinking. In turn, Holden shows signs of Conduct Disorder because he consumes way too much alcohol, he lies a lot, and he is constantly isolated. This proves how Holden Caulfield has Conduct Disorder due to the many symptoms mentioned before.
Holden Caulfield has been known to have many disorders as presented in the novel, specifically Conduct Disorder because of his alienation, lies, and excessive drinking. Lying is a major symptom of Conduct Disorder. People with Conduct Disorder lye most of the time to avoid something or any responsibility. Holden in the novel lied about his name to Mrs. Morrow because he feels insecure about himself. It shows that Holden is not comfortable with exposing his vulnerability to others and he will do anything, including alienating himself from others because of his lies, to avoid being hurt. People with conduct disorder are known to be anti-social and isolated. They don’t want to hang out with anyone because they don't favor anyone. This is true for Holden because at the beginning of the novel, he is seen standing alone at the top of the hill watching the football game. Instead at being with all the others, he prefers to be alone. Finally, another symptom of conduct disorder is excessive drinking and drug use. People smoke multiple types of drugs such as cocaine, weed, and cigarettes. While in New York, Holden Caulfield nearly drank three servings of alcohol. Since this is inappropriate for his age, it is another sign and symptom of Conduct Disorder. Fortunately, there are medications and treatments done to treat this disorder. “Certain medications (including lithium, antipsychotic drugs, or stimulants) can be used to treat children with severe conduct disorder” (Conduct Disorder the encyclopedia of learning disabilities). There are numerous medications out in the market that could be used to treat Conduct Disorder, specifically any stimulants, or Lithium. Studies have shown that regular treatment along with medication, have helped patients treat their Conduct Disorder effectively. Overall Conduct disorder is serious disorder that needs to be treated. Without treatment, extreme isolation will happen to children as they grow older. Conduct Disorder treatment is essential to anyone who has it, because conditions and symptoms will just become worse overtime.