For many children, some level of disruptive behavior in the classroom is common, generally harmless, and developmentally normal. The occasional backlash, argument, and/or temper tantrum are to be expected. However, some children exhibit disruptive behavior that is persistent, impactful, and detrimental to overall functioning and growth. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, group leader, family member, or any other type of caregiver, it can be difficult to know how to remedy these behavioral issues.
The truth is, each child’s disruptive behavior stems from a cause that is as unique as they are, and thus requires unique treatment in response. Some children simply need guidance, support, and patience to improve their behavior. Other children may be dealing with Disruptive Behavior Disorder, which is a behavioral health challenge that often requires professional support.
Disruptive Behavior Disorder (DBD) is a behavioral health disorder that often coexists with other mental or behavioral health challenges. Signs and symptoms of DBD can include excessive, unpredictable, or explosive anger, deliberate disobedience, violence, and other highly problematic behaviors that go beyond developmentally normal expressions of budding independence. Disruptive Behavior Disorder can be categorized within the context of three specific conditions.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a specific type of Disruptive Behavior Disorder wherein children exhibit a regular pattern of extreme and excessive anger, irritability, argumentativeness, and defiance toward authority figures. While this behavior can certainly be disruptive at home and at school, it can also have lasting effects on the child’s future. It is common for children and adolescents with ODD to have co-morbid diagnoses of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), Depression, Anxiety, and/or learning disabilities.
Children with oppositional defiant disorder often lose their temper in various situations. They are quick to argue with adults over requests and rules. They are likely to:
There is a possibility of anyone displaying any of these behaviors. Children with oppositional defiant disorder display them more often than other age groups.
While Conduct Disorder (CD) and ODD share similar symptoms, Conduct Disorder tends to encompass the most disruptive, violent, and intense behaviors. While children diagnosed with ODD are often vocally irritable and defiant, a child diagnosed with CD may show regular physical aggression, property destruction, and outright violence toward both humans and animals. Children and adolescents diagnosed with CD may also have struggles with self-esteem, substance abuse, and other mental health disorders.
Children and teens who have conduct disorder are likely to react these ways:
There is usually nothing easy-going or highlighted to be positive about young people with conduct disorder. Their tendencies have shown to be difficult and negative. They have also shown a lack regarding other people’s rights or feelings.
Disruptive Behavior Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (DBD NOS) applies when a child’s disruptive behavior doesn’t fully meet the criteria for ODD or CD, but is still persistent and causing dysfunction. Since there could be a number of challenges that cause a child to have behavior problems in school or at home, DBD NOS is a diagnosis that allows for further evaluation and exploration of symptoms by a therapist or other mental health professional.
Here at Valley Behavioral Health, we are proud to be one of Utah’s leading disruptive behavior treatment providers, both in the schools and at home. At Valley, we believe that the most effective forms of treatment are personalized to each child and their family. Valley uses a strong network of treatment facilities throughout Salt Lake county, along with support within the Salt Lake, Granite, Canyons, and Murray school districts to deliver proven treatment. Brose the treatment programs and facilities below for more information, or contact a Valley Behavioral Health professional today to get started!
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