Disruptive Behavior Disorders are considered to be one of the most prominent reasons for children to be referred to psychologists and clinical social workers for diagnosis and treatment. Almost 10 percent of children in the general population may show signs and symptoms of disruptive behavior patterns at some point of time or other. These disorders are divided into two major categories— Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder: This refers to children with poor control over their emotions and a tendency to have recurrent conflicts with parents, teachers and others. These children often have problems in adjusting to social situations or getting along with others and may develop far serious problems in later life. The age of onset of this disorder is between 3 to 7 years. Most of the children with ODD exhibit signs of aggression and antisocial behavior.
Conduct Disorder: The age of onset of this disorder is around age 9 and it may proceed on to adolescence. Children affected by this disorder are extremely aggressive and exhibit antisocial behavior such as throwing tantrums, being hostile towards others, disobeying their parents, teachers and others and are extremely vengeful. They might try to harm themselves as well as others.
Causes of Disruptive behavior Disorders:
Biological Factors: As per research, biological factors play a significant role in the development of these disorders. These disorders are more prominent in boys than in girls. This indicates that sex hormones play a significant role in their development. Certain findings also point to the fact that children with these disorders have uncommonly low levels of general arousal and thus, seem to want the excitement that accompanies their disruptive behaviors.
Psychological Factors: Children with Disruptive behavior Disorders often show apprehensive attachment to their parents and often live in downbeat environments that may involve poverty, large family size and being placed in foster care. In addition, their parents often use harsh child rearing practices, which may actually encourage disruptive behavior.
Environmental factors: These involve rejection of the child by peers, anger and alienation of the child by parents and teachers and confused relationship of the child with the primary caretaker. Other factors may include patents with an unstable marriage, inability of the parents to provide affection, guidance or love to the child and family discord leading to separation or divorce.
Treatment and Outcomes:
Treatment for disruptive behavior disorders revolves around rectifying the child’s aggressive behavior and finding means to alter dysfunctional family patterns. Family therapy and behavioral techniques play a significant role in the treatment of these disorders. They involve modifying the child’s environment in order to bring about the behavioral changes, which in itself is a challenging task. Both parents and teachers are advised on how to deal with the problematic children without being judgmental or alienating them.
