Disruptive Behavior Disorders

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Some researchers have said that disruptive behavior disorders constitute the most frequent reason for children being referred to treatment.  These behaviors involve a set of patterns characterized by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and/or rule-breaking behavior, opposition, and defiance. 

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There are three main Disruptive Behavior Disorders:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder

• Conduct Disorder

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition in which a person has trouble paying attention and focusing on tasks. It may begin in early childhood and can continue into adulthood. Without treatment, ADHD can cause problems at home, school, work, and with relationships.

 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), children who have symptoms of inattention may:

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• Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another

• Have difficulty focusing on one thing

• Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable

• Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new

• Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities

• Not seem to listen when spoken to

• Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly

• Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others

• Struggle to follow instructions.

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Children who have symptoms of hyperactivity may:

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• Fidget and squirm in their seats

• Talk nonstop

• Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight

• Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time

• Be constantly in motion

• Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.

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Children who have symptoms of impulsivity may:

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• Be very impatient

• Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences

• Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting for their turns in games

• Often interrupt conversations or others' activities.

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder

In Oppositional Defiant Disorder, the rules broken are usually those in the family and the school. Oppositional Defiant Disorder may occur in children of any age and adolescents. Sometimes Oppositional Defiant Disorder leads to Conduct Disorder. Between one and six percent of children and adolescents have Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

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Examples of Oppositional Defiant Disorder behaviors are:

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• Frequent defiance of the authority of parents, teachers, and others

• Arguing and refusing to obey rules at home and school

• Failure to take responsibility for bad behavior or mistakes

• Resentment and looking for revenge

• Regular temper tantrums

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Conduct Disorder Behaviors

In Conduct Disorder, the rules broken include the regulations and laws made by society. Conduct Disorder usually occurs in older children and adolescents. Between one and four percent of young persons seven to seventeen have Conduct Disorder.

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Examples of Conduct Disorder behaviors are:

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• Aggressive behaviors that threaten or harm people or animals

• Behaviors that destroy property such as fire setting, breaking windows, or graffiti

• Stealing, bullying, or lying to get something

• Serious violations of rules, including school truancy and running away from home

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Bipolar I Disorder

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Bipolar disorder is a serious brain illness according to NIMH. It is also called manic-depressive illness. Children with bipolar disorder go through unusual mood changes. Sometimes they feel very happy or "up," and are much more active than usual. This is called mania. And sometimes children with bipolar disorder feel very sad and "down," and are much less active than usual. This is called depression.

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Bipolar disorder is not the same as the normal ups and downs every kid goes through. Bipolar symptoms are more powerful than that. The illness can make it hard for a child to do well in school or get along with friends and family members. The illness can also be dangerous. Some young people with bipolar disorder try to hurt themselves or attempt suicide.

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Children and teens with bipolar disorder should get treatment. With help, they can manage their symptoms and lead successful lives.