Every child pushes back sometimes. When defiance, anger, or rule-breaking happens often, lasts for months, and gets in the way of home, school, or friendships, it may be a disruptive behavior disorder.
What Are Disruptive Behavior Disorders?
Disruptive behavior disorders are patterns of behavior that go beyond what is typical for a child’s age. The two most common are:
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) – an ongoing pattern of angry or irritable mood, arguing with adults, refusing requests, and blaming others.
- Conduct Disorder – a more serious pattern that can include aggression, damaging property, and repeatedly breaking important rules.
These conditions often occur alongside ADHD, anxiety, depression, or learning difficulties.
Signs to Watch For
- Frequent temper outbursts
- Arguing with parents, teachers, or other adults
- Refusing to follow rules or requests
- Deliberately annoying others
- Blaming others for mistakes
- Aggression toward people or property
- Ongoing trouble at school
What Causes Them?
There is usually no single cause. A child’s temperament, family history, and stress at home or school can all play a part.
How Are They Diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with an evaluation. Your provider talks with you and your child, reviews development and health history, and may ask for input from teachers. Part of the evaluation is checking for other conditions, such as ADHD or anxiety, that can look like or add to the behavior.
How Are They Treated?
Treatment is tailored to the child and the family, and usually works best when parents are closely involved. It may include:
- Parent and family therapy – practical strategies for setting expectations, responding consistently, and reducing conflict at home.
- Individual therapy – helping a child manage frustration, solve problems, and express feelings in healthier ways, often using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Coordination with school – so expectations and support are consistent across settings.
- Diagnosis and medication management – when a co-occurring condition such as ADHD is part of the picture.
Why Choose Saint Sophie’s Psychiatric Center?
Our Pediatric Specialty Clinic focuses on the needs of children and adolescents as they grow, and works alongside parents to find the best treatment for their child. We offer psychotherapy for children as young as 2, with in-person and telehealth appointments for patients in North Dakota and Minnesota.
To set up an appointment, submit a contact form or call us at (701) 365-4488.