What Causes Disruptive Behavior in a Child?

It can be incredibly frustrating for parents of school age children and teens who show defiant behavior toward authority figures, have frequent temper tantrums, and even engage in criminal behavior. However, these behaviors don't mean that a child is bad; they may be showing disruptive behavior due to experiencing a disruptive behavior disorder such like oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), or conduct disorder.

These disorders can be complex, but there is treatment available if you seek professional help. In this article, we'll share some common causes and symptoms of these disorders and what you can do for a conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder.

Understanding Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) are a group of behavioral and mental health disorders that involve behaviors that are readily observed in children.

DBD includes two types: oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD). Disruptive behavior disorders can seriously impact a child’s daily life, causing problems at home, school, and with peers. Children with DBD show ongoing patterns of uncooperative and defiant behavior, often impacting those around them.

Causes of Disruptive Behavior Disorders

The precise cause of disruptive behavior disorders is unclear, but risk factors include a family member with ADHD/ODD, depression or an anxiety disorder, and environmental factors like stress in the home.

In addition, disruptive behavior disorders are also more likely to occur along with other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Other risk factors can include having family members with a history of disruptive behavior disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or other behavioral disorders, or environmental factors, such as exposure to violence or trauma.

Symptoms of Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Children with oppositional defiant disorder may display symptoms such as anger, irritability, and defiance, including frequent temper tantrums and argumentativeness. Other problematic behavior such as being physically aggressive with other children or even adults may also be observed.

Children with conduct disorder may exhibit a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others and disregards social rules, including aggression, destruction of property, and theft.

Symptoms of DBD can worsen over time, sometimes becoming severe enough to eventually lead to a diagnosis of conduct disorder. Children with DBD may encounter frequent social conflicts and disciplinary situations at school.

Diagnosing a Disruptive Behavioral Disorder

To diagnose disruptive behavior disorders, a mental health professional will conduct a comprehensive psychiatric assessment with the child and their family, including the child’s behavioral problems, family history, medical history, school life, and social interactions. The clinician will also ask about the child’s disruptive behavior disorder, such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder. The goal of this assessment is to form an accurate and complete diagnosis to inform treatment.

Treatment Options for Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Treatment for disruptive behavior disorders typically involves a combination of talk therapy and psychiatric medication, with the goal being to reduce symptoms and improve overall mental health. Treatment may also involve family therapy with the child and other family members, and behavioral interventions. The clinician will work with the family to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Psychosocial Treatment for Disruptive Behavior Disorder

Psychosocial treatment can help improve interactions between the child and their family. This is done through programs in which parents and their child meet with a trained therapist who will run talk therapy sessions. Parent and child training programs are sometimes done in groups, and joining a support group may be recommended by the therapist. The goal of these interventions is to teach the child and their family skills to manage symptoms and improve relationships.

Medications for Conduct Disorder

Medications are usually prescribed to children with conduct disorder only if psychosocial treatment alone does not help enough, and these medications are usually taken together with psychosocial treatment.

Medicines work differently in different children, and the clinician will work with the family to find the best treatment plan. Stimulant medications have been shown to help decrease verbal and physical aggression, negative peer interactions, stealing, and vandalism in children with ADHD and a coexisting disruptive behavior disorder.

Working with Mental Health Professionals

Working with a mental health professional is essential in treating disruptive behavior disorders. The clinician will work with the family to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include therapy, parent training, support groups, and medication. The clinician will provide support and guidance throughout the treatment process.

Supporting Children with Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Supporting children with DBD requires a comprehensive approach that involves the family, school, and community.

Parents can play a crucial role in supporting their child by providing a stable and loving environment, while schools can also provide support by offering accommodations and modifications to help the child succeed.

Community resources, such as support groups and therapy programs, can also provide additional support. Parent training can be an essential piece of the puzzle, as how they react to a child's behavior can either diffuse or exacerbate it.

Finding a Mental Health Professional for Family Members in Need in Brooklyn

Disruptive behavior disorders are a group of behavioral and mental health disorders that can seriously impact a child’s daily life. Understanding the root causes of DBD is essential in developing effective treatment plans, and with the right treatment and support, children with DBD can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their overall mental health.

At Williamsburg Therapy Group, our team of doctoral-level Brooklyn child psychotherapists offers a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to talk therapy that offer the tools necessary for treating disruptive behavior disorders like oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. They can also help manage the symptoms of any comorbid conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Call our service coordinator to find a therapist who can help your child find the tools they need to build relationships with other children, interact in a healthy way with authority figures, and manage symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder, or any other mental health conditions that may be preventing them from living their best life.