What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Disruptive Behavior Disorder (DBD)

What is Disruptive Behavior Disorder? (Definition/Background Information)

• Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBDs) are a group of disorders that are characterized by plain indifference, uncooperativeness, and hostile behavior toward authority figures including to one’s own parents, teachers, or law enforcement agents
• The disorder is manifested as temper tantrums, physical displays of anger and aggression including lying or stealing, usually by children and adolescents. The children are often complaining, irritable, disobedient, and difficult to control. The nature of the behavior is such that it always disrupts the normal (daily) life and activities of the child and those around the child
• Disruptive Behavior Disorders are not very uncommon, but may vary in severity from one individual to another. There are three types of DBDs that include:
  • Opposition defiant disorder (ODD) - involves negative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures
  • Conduct disorder (CD) - is a more severe defiance against authority figures; it may also involve physical aggression, destruction of property, and stealing
  • Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) - involves random outbursts of violence and aggression with little or no warning
• Disruptive Behavior Disorders are caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors, such as neurological damage at birth, as well as psychological problems in the family
• A treatment for Disruptive Behavior Disorder primarily involves behavioral therapy so that affected individuals can become aware of anger cues and use strategies to cope with the same
• The prognosis for Disruptive Behavior Disorder is typically good with adequate treatment. However, it is vitally important to detect and treat the condition in its early stages to prevent it from progressing into a more serious and longstanding disorder

Who gets Disruptive Behavior Disorder? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Disruptive Behavior Disorder is a common disorder that is mostly observed in children, adolescents, and teenagers
• Males are more likely to be affected by the condition than females
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Disruptive Behavior Disorder? (Predisposing Factors)

Some known risk factors for Disruptive Behavior Disorder may include:

• Birth injuries that occur during childbirth
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Children with ADHD have an increased risk for DBD
• Personal history of anxiety and depression
• Family history of Disruptive Behavior Disorders, ADHD, anxiety, and depression
• Psychological stress due to family circumstances

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Disruptive Behavior Disorder? (Etiology)

Disruptive Behavior Disorder is caused by a combination of factors that may be termed either biological and/or environmental.

• Biological factors that include:
  • Neurological damage at birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Personal history of anxiety and depression
  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (or ADHD); a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children
  • Family history of Disruptive Behavior Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and depression
• Environmental factors that are usually psychological stresses caused by certain family situations such as:
  • Divorce and separation
  • Substance abuse
  • Physical/ emotional/sexual abuse
  • Criminal activity
  • Serious conflict

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Disruptive Behavior Disorder?

The signs and symptoms of Disruptive Behavior Disorder may include the following:

• Antisocial behavior
• Aggressive and intimidating behavior
• Short-temperedness
• Constantly arguing and developing conflicts with adults or people of authority
• Consistent defiance to rules and requests
• Tendency to cause harm; intentionally violate other’s rights
• Tendency to blame others for one’s own shortcomings
• Tendency to lie 
• Tendency to steal

How is Disruptive Behavior Disorder Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Disruptive Behavior Disorder is made on the basis of information gathered from the following tests and exams:

• Complete physical evaluation
• Comprehensive analysis of personal and family medical history
• Evaluation of circumstances in the home environment
• Thorough psychiatric assessment by a child psychiatrist; speaking to the child, his/her parents and teachers, etc.
• Assessment of symptoms based on the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
• Differential diagnosis to rule out other disorders that may present similar signs and symptoms

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Disruptive Behavior Disorder?

Disruptive Behavior Disorder may lead to complications such as:

• Lack of friends or very few friends
• Impaired daily functioning, whether at home or school
• Difficulty in academic and occupational life
• Feelings of isolation and loneliness
• Increasingly prone to substance abuse
• Homelessness and poverty
• Perpetration of domestic and child abuse
• Animal cruelty
• Causing damage to public property
• Involvement in criminal activity
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

How is Disruptive Behavior Disorder Treated?

The treatment for Disruptive Behavior Disorder may involve one or more of the following measures:

• Behavioral therapy: It is the primary method of treatment of DBD
  • Collaborative problem solving (CPS) to help teach affected individuals how to be aware of their frustration and handle it in a healthy manner 
  • School-wide positive behavioral support (SWPB): It is a program in place in many schools that fosters positive social behaviors and provides a service for extreme behavioral needs
  • Peer group therapy - in order to develop better social and interpersonal skills
• Classroom management and individual (one-to-one) tutoring
• Parent training (PT) is an intervention-style training program set for parents of the affected children/individuals to help them be educated about the disorder and how to manage it at home and other social places
• Meditation and relaxing techniques including hypnosis
• Medication (stimulants) to treat simultaneously occurring ADHD, and any associated anxiety and depression

How can Disruptive Behavior Disorder be Prevented?

At the present time, no methods or guidelines are available for the prevention of Disruptive Behavior Disorder.

• Seeking medical treatment soon after symptom onset may help prevent its progression into a more severe disorder
• Seeking professional help after a psychologically stressful event may help prevent the onset of, or help lower the risk for Disruptive Behavior Disorders

What is the Prognosis of Disruptive Behavior Disorder? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Disruptive Behavior Disorder is generally good in a majority of children with appropriate treatment; in many, the symptoms improve through treatment
• However, the prognosis also depends on the type of DBD, the association of other conditions, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and the adequacy and continuity of treatment

Additions and Relevant Useful Information for Disruptive Behavior Disorder:

Conduct disorder (CD) is characterized by rebellious behavior and a severe defiance against established social standards and norms.