Disruptive Behaviors

Constant uncooperative and defiant behaviors can make life difficult for not only a child but the parents, siblings, teachers, and friends of the child. This disruptive behavior can be a symptom of a disruptive behavior disorder (DBD).

DBD is not one specific condition but can be one type or a combination of several types of behaviors:

• Conduct disorder (CD)

• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

• Disruptive behavior disorder, not otherwise specified (DBD NOS)

Any one of these types of behavior can make a big impact on everyone who comes into contact with the patient. These children are often referred to as irritable, difficult to get along with, stubborn, and disobedient. Indifference or outright hostility towards authority figures can lead to a lack of concern for how their behavior affects the people around them and can also be extreme enough to lead to physical aggression.

The only difference between these disorders is the severity of the behaviors and the amount of intention exhibited.

One-third to one-half of children who have been diagnosed with ADHD can have a coexisting oppositional defiant disorder and this number remains about the same with adolescents (25% to 45%).

As with ADHD and other disorders of the mind, DBD does not have a specific test for diagnosis. The treatment and therapy available will have to be adjusted to meet the individual needs of the patient. Trinity Psychiatric Health can offer that specialized treatment.