Behavior Disorders
What are disruptive behavior disorders (conduct and oppositional)?
Disruptive behavior disorders constitute behaviors that consistently “break the rules,” disrupt the lives of those around them and defy authority. While oppositional behavior is common in very young children and teens, in extreme cases it can require professional assessment and intervention.
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
Symptoms
Disruptive behavior can be classified into two distinct categories. In oppositional defiant disorder, the rules broken are chiefly those within the family and school: regular temper tantrums, failure to accept responsibility for bad behavior and frequent defiance of parents and teachers. In conduct disorders, aggressive behaviors threaten others, like people and animals. Bullying, lying, stealing and truancy may also be identified.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing disruptive behavior disorders requires a professional, skilled evaluation.
Treatment
Generally, treatment involves a combination of therapies to teach children and teens how to control and express feelings appropriately, including parent training and family therapy.
