Disruptive Behaviour and Dissocial Disorder

Disruptive Behavior Disorders and Dissocial Disorder are both mental health conditions, primarily diagnosed in children and adolescents, that involve challenges with behavior, social norms, and interactions.

Disruptive Behaviour Disorders

These are a group of mental health conditions characterised by persistent patterns of disruptive, defiant, or inappropriate behaviour. They often interfere with an individual's daily life, relationships, or functioning. Two common disruptive behavior disorders include:

1. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD):

   • Symptoms:

     • Frequent temper tantrums or anger.

     • Defying rules or authority figures.

     • Deliberately annoying others or being easily annoyed.

     • Blaming others for their mistakes or misbehavior.

   • Onset: Often appears in early childhood.

2. Conduct Disorder (CD):

   • Symptoms:

     • Aggression toward people or animals (e.g., bullying, fighting, cruelty).

     • Destruction of property (e.g., arson, vandalism).

     • Deceitfulness or theft.

     • Serious violations of rules (e.g., truancy, running away).

   • Onset: Typically diagnosed in older children or adolescents and can precede antisocial personality disorder in adulthood.

Dissocial Disorder

• Dissocial Personality Disorder or Antisocial Personality Disorder describes a more severe and persistent pattern of behaviour often beginning in childhood or adolescence. It is marked by disregard for social norms and the rights of others.

• Characteristics:

  • Persistent irresponsibility and rule-breaking.

  • Lack of empathy or remorse for harmful actions.

  • Manipulative or deceitful behavior.

  • Aggressiveness or irritability.

  • A tendency toward impulsivity or recklessness.

Distinction: While dissocial disorder is often seen as a continuation of conduct disorder into adulthood, disruptive behavior disorders (like ODD or CD) are usually diagnosed earlier in life.

Causes and Risk Factors

1. Genetic: A family history of mental health disorders can contribute.

2. Environmental: Abuse, neglect, or inconsistent parenting often play a role.

3. Biological: Neurological or developmental differences in the brain.

4. Psychosocial: Peer influence or exposure to violent environments.

Treatment Approaches

• Behavioral Therapy: Focuses on improving problem-solving, impulse control, and social skills.

• Family Therapy: Helps improve family dynamics and parenting strategies.

• Medications: May be used to address coexisting conditions like ADHD, depression, or anxiety.

• Education and Support: Ensuring teachers and caregivers are equipped to manage behaviours effectively.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has a behavioural disorder, seeking a comprehensive evaluation is the best first step. It can help to confirm the diagnosis and develop a tailored treatment plan. The Soke offers assessment and treatment pathways for both adults and children, in our Chelsea and Wimbledon sites. We also provide support and training for individuals, families, schools and organisations who want to better manage the relationship with the diagnosed individual. Please contact our Client Services team to discuss your symptoms - or the symptoms of your loved one - so that they can guide you towards the most appropriate solution to suit your particular circumstances. They can also be reached on 020 7139 5051.