Early Diagnosis & Treatment are Critical for a Child with a Disruptive Behavior Disorder

The symptoms of a disruptive behavior disorder can be observed, at one time or another, in nearly every child. That's because these symptoms fall in line with typical childhood behavior: temper tantrums, apparently unwarranted anger, defiance of an authority figure, occasionally taking things that don't belong to them, and more.

This kind of behavior crosses the line from typical to atypical when it begins to interfere consistently with a child's relationships at home or school. This type of persistent disruptive behavior falls under two major categories. One is oppositional defiant disorder, in which there is an ongoing pattern of hostile or uncooperative behavior directed toward adults. The other, more extreme condition is conduct disorder, in which a child exhibits a pattern of hitting, stealing, vandalism, skipping school or other anti-social -- and potentially illegal -- activity.

When your child consistently displays this type of behavior for six months or longer, it might be time to discuss your options with your family doctor or a mental health professional. The earlier a disruptive behavior disorder is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance your child will have to become a happy, productive member of society later in life.

Sometimes, children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can exhibit symptoms similar to those of oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder. It's not uncommon for ADHD to coexist with one or more behavioral disorders. When left unchecked, the combination of these disorders can lead to serious adjustment issues later in life.

Treatment for a disruptive child behavior disorder can include behavior modification therapy and psychoanalysis. Children on medication for ADHD might also begin to display fewer symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder. Early detection and treatment is vital, because children whose symptoms remain unchecked might resist help as they grow older.