Disruptive Behavior Disorders
Disruptive Behavior Disorder is defined in MHAWestchester as, “consistent patterns of behaviors that “break the rules”.” Everyone at one point another has broken a rule. Children, especially in the two to three and teenage years, will test their parents’ policies. However, young people who consistently break these rules with no regard of the consequences may actually be diagnosed as one of the two types of this disorder; Oppositional Disorder or Conduct Disorder.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), a common combination with ADHD, is defined in the Dictionary as, “a disruptive behavior pattern of childhood and adolescence characterized by defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior especially toward adults in positions of authority.” Between 1 to 6 % of children and adolescents have ODD. Some examples given by MHAWestchester are:
- 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
Conduct Disorder, defined in the dictionary as, “A behavior disorder of childhood or adolescence characterized by a pattern of conduct in which either the basic rights of others or the societal norms or rules appropriate for a certain age are violated.” Between one and four percent of young people between the ages of 7 to 17 are diagnosed with this disorder. Some examples provided by MHAWestchester are:
- 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
|
