Disruptive behavior disorders: oppositional defiant disorder [about 5% of the child population]

• 1. Often loses temper; shows severe tantrums not common for age

• 2. Argues with adults on a chronic basis – early onset of profane language is common

• 3. Actively defies or refuses to comply with adult’s requests of rules [appears nasty and belligerent]

• 4. Often deliberately annoys people [very immature]• 5. Often easily annoyed by others – very intolerant • 6. Often blames others for his / her mistakes or

misbehaviors [very immature and unlikable]

ODD SX

• 7. Presents an angry and resentful demeanor • 8. Often is spiteful and vindictive [“injustice collector” per

FBI personality profiles] • Warning signs in childhood: poor peer relations, poor

relations with parents [resists rules]; poor behavior in school [“dislikes rules] and strained relationship with teachers

• No medications treat ODD• Early intervention is critical; train parents to avoid punishers

and use reinforcement as much as possible• *ODD children respond extremely poorly and with volatility

to punishment and angry communication*

Conduct disorder

• Synonym with antisocial behavior and closely related to sociopathology

• Show most ODD SX• Runs away from home overnight as a gesture of defiance• Violates rights / property of others [stealing, vandalism,

assault]• Disregards rules / laws [defiant]• Other more serious sx:• Hurts / maims / kills animals• Preoccupation with fire and burning• Lack remorse, empathy, and conscience

Important considerations

• Not all APD are sociopaths, but most are• Might need to adjust our understanding of

APD and sociopathology – they are not ‘crazed lunatics!’

• All adult APD were once children, and demonstrated common unusual [deviant] behavioral and psychological characteristics during each stage of development