Oppositional Defiant Disorder
The signs of oppositional defiant disorder include very angry and negative behaviours that:
- last for many months (usually 6 months)
- happen often
- cause a lot of problems in the child or youth’s life
With this disorder, a child or youth may often:
- be angry and irritable
- argue with parents, teachers and other adults
- be mean, hurtful, spiteful or vindictive
You can usually see signs of oppositional defiant disorder before a child is eight years old. It starts slowly and gradually. Parents may notice the signs at home first, but the disorder may start to affect other parts of the child or youth’s life, such as school. This disorder does not usually start after the early teenage years.
The length of time that symptoms last is different for everyone. Many children and youth recover, but some may go on to develop conduct disorder or another mental health disorder.
Before puberty, more boys than girls have the disorder. After puberty, it’s more equal between boys and girls.
Conduct Disorder
The signs of conduct disorder include behaviours that go against rules or other people’s rights and:
- last for many months (usually 12 months)
- happen often
- cause a lot of problems in the child or youth’s life
With this disorder, a child or youth may often:
- be aggressive towards other people or animals - bullying, starting fights, hurting others, using a weapon
- harm someone’s property on purpose
- tell major lies - to get something or avoid responsibilities
- steal - break into a house or car, or steal something that’s important to someone
- break serious rules - run away from home or skip school a lot
Conduct disorder usually happens between the ages of 6 and 15 and it is more common in boys than girls.
Most symptoms lessen or go away by the time the child or youth becomes an adult. But some may develop an adult form of the disorder called antisocial personality disorder. Conduct disorder can go along with substance use problems, and lead to problems with the law. It is important to watch for warning signs and find help early.
For severe conduct disorders, resources are offered by youth forensics psychiatric services.
What causes Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder?
Risk factors include:
- genes
- differences in brain chemistry
- abuse or neglect
- seeing or experiencing violence
- family problems
Children or youth may struggle with Impulse Disorders, some of which are outlined below.
Intermittent Explosive Disorder
This disorder is diagnosed in children who are at least six years old. These children and youth have repeated angry outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation and are not planned. These children and youth are aggressive in words and actions, damage things and property, and hurt animals and people.
Kleptomania
Kleptomania is a disorder of stealing objects and may start at different ages. Children and youth with kleptomania struggle to resist impulses to steal things that they do not need.
Pyromania
Pyromania involves setting fire repeatedly and on purpose, without a reason such as gaining money.
What mental health challenges may be connected to Disruptive Behaviour Disorders?
About half of children living with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also have other challenges or disorders that occur with, or look like, an oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder. These include:
