What is a behavior disorder?
Many children and teens act out at times. This is normal. You might:
- Argue with your parents or teachers
- Disobey rules
- Get angry or forceful towards others
But it could be a problem if these actions:
- Happen often
- Last over a long period of time
- Become more intense
- Disrupt your life at home or school
When behavior (how you act) becomes a problem, it is called a behavior disorder.
What are some signs of behavior disorders?
You may:
- Get angry or cranky
- Argue with adults
- Act mean or violent towards others
- Yell or say mean things to others
- Disobey rules, from minor to major ones such as running away from home
- Damage property
- Lie or steal
You might act these ways because you have another mental health concern, like PTSD or anxiety. Check out the Learn More section to get more information about these disorders. You can also talk to a doctor or therapist to address other mental health concerns first. But if you act these ways and have no other problem, it could be a behavior disorder.
What kinds of behavior disorders are there?
Oppositional defiant disorder
This disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of angry, irritable, argumentative, defiant, and sometimes vindictive behavior toward authority figures.
Intermittent explosive disorder
This disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of sudden, intense, and disproportionate anger or aggression
Conduct disorder
This disorder is characterized by persistent patterns of aggressive and antisocial behavior that is more severe than Oppositional Defiant Disorder