BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS

This disorder causes challenging and frustrating behaviors that disrupt daily life. Typically, the resulting behaviors or actions are considered a threat primarily to others’ safety and/or to societal norms. 

Types of Disorders include oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), and Intermittent explosive disorder

Behavioral disorders cause a persistent pattern of problem behaviors at home, in school, and in social settings

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): is a common disorder in children and adolescents who are referred to mental health providers for behavioral issues. ODD is defined by a recurrent pattern of developmentally inappropriate levels of defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior toward authority figures. Symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder include a pattern of angry/irritable, easily annoyed, often angry and resentful, often argues with authority figures or adults, often refuses to comply with requests or rules, deliberately annoys others, blames others for mistakes or misbehavior.

Conduct Disorder: Conduct disorder involves severe behaviors that violate the rights of others or societal norms. It features symptoms of aggression, destruction, rule violation, and deceit. In general, children with conduct disorder struggle with proper social behaviors and may find it hard to function day-to-day. This behavior disorder affects children and young people aged 10-19.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): DMDD affects children and teenagers. It’s characterized by frequent and intense irritability, anger, and tempered outbursts, losing interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, change in appetite, decreased energy or increased tiredness or fatigue. The disorder features frequent and ongoing hostile, defiant, and uncooperative behaviors toward parents, teachers, or other authority figures, which disrupts daily life.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Intermittent explosive disorder can affect children and adults. Associated with frequent impulsive anger outbursts or aggression, such as temper tantrums, verbal arguments, and fights.

Behavioral disorder treatment usually focuses on a combination of medication management and supportive therapy. Many medications can help manage symptoms, reduce the frequency of harmful behaviors, and lessen the intensity of problem behaviors. Also, therapy can help children learn to change their thinking and control angry feelings. Treatment may include parent management training and family therapy, such as Functional Family Therapy. At Lifeway Mental Health & Wellness Care we provide personalized psychiatric care that focuses on the whole patient’s needs.