What is a Disruptive Behavior Disorder?
This page is about behavior problems and how you or your child can get help for it. When we say “you,” we are speaking to the child or teen who may have behavior problems.
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?
There are many types of disruptive behavior disorders (problems). You might hear a therapist use terms such as:
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Intermittent explosive disorder
- Conduct disorder
How do I know if I have a behavior disorder?
Only a doctor or therapist can tell you that you have (diagnose you with) a behavior disorder. You can:
- See a doctor. Talk to your primary care doctor who can help you.
- See a therapist. Find a therapist in your area.
- Take a free screener. This is a quiz you take online that tells you if you might have a behavior problem. Share your results with your doctor or therapist.
Take a disruptive behavior screener.
How can I get better if I have a behavior disorder?
While behavior problems can be hard and stressful, you can get better. Your doctor or therapist can help you with a treatment plan. In your plan, you might:
- See a therapist
- Take medicine
- Make changes to your daily life
How can therapy help with a behavior disorder?
Therapy is when you talk with a therapist trained in mental health. One type of therapy that helps behavior disorders is called behavior modification.
Some therapies that use behavior modification are:
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
- Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)
- Defiant Children or Defiant Teens
How can medicine help with a behavior disorder?
Some medicines can help children and teens with behavior disorders. Talk with your doctor or psychiatrist to see if medicine is right for you.
How can I make changes to feel better?
You can also get better when you make changes to your daily life, such as:
Be active. You could:
- Go on a walk by yourself or with a friend
- Dance to your favorite music
- Join a club, such as a club for a sport you like
Eat in a healthy way. You could:
- Eat around the same times every day
- Eat many kinds of food, such as foods that give you energy
Keep a sleep routine. You could:
- Turn off screens before bed, such as your phone or TV at least an hour before bed
- Do something to make you feel calm before bed
- Go to sleep and wake up around the same time each day
- Eat enough to feel full, but not overfull