Disruptive, impulse control, and conduct disorders are a group of mental health disorders that can begin in early childhood and teenage years. People who suffer from these disorders have more aggressive behavior toward other people. Many people can become angry and have occasional outbursts. But if these behavioral problems interrupt personal relationships, education, or work, it becomes a problem. In that case, a mental health disorder may need addressing. Common disorders within this group are oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, kleptomania, and pyromania.
Symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder:
- Problems with authority
- Showing anger or resentment
- Talking back to parents or teachers
- Trying to annoy others
- Blaming others for their bad behavior
- Acting spiteful to others
Symptoms of conduct disorder:
- Bullying or starting fights with others
- Being physically harmful to animals and people
- Destroying the property of others
- Stealing from others
- Lying to others
- Skipping school or running away from home
Symptoms of intermittent explosive disorder:
- Shouting or yelling at others
- Throwing temper tantrums
- Hitting or smacking others
- Breaking or throwing things
- Making threats to harm others or animals
Symptoms of kleptomania:
- Lacking the ability to control the urge to steal
- Feeling enjoyment after stealing things that are not necessary for survival
- Feeling bad after stealing but continuing to do it
- Having an uncontrollable urge to steal
- Retaliating is not the reason for stealing
Symptoms of pyromania:
- Lacking the ability to control the urge to set fires
- Having no reason to set fire other than the obsession with fires
- Feeling pleasure before and after starting fires
Causes of disruptive, impulse control, and conduct disorders.
The environment that a child grows up in can play an essential role in some mental health disorders. A neglectful parent or a very authoritative parent can lead to children developing disruptive, impulse-control, or conduct disorders. A child who has a family member with a mental illness can mimic some of the aggressive behaviors that they display. Some conflicts between caregivers in a child’s life can also contribute to the development of these disorders.
Treatment options.
Treatment options for these disorders include working on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The goal of treatment is to help people learn to use more self-control and manage emotions more efficiently. If a child has one of these disorders, treatment can involve working with the parents. For example, therapists can teach parents to realize their reactions to aggressive behaviors. Treatment will also help parents communicate and discipline children with these disorders. The goal is to treat the mental health condition before it worsens as an adult. The wellbeing of someone who is suffering is the primary focus of treatment. They can learn to react better to stressful events and form better relationships.
If you or someone you love is suffering from mental health disorders, we can help provide a better quality of life. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today! Contact us to schedule an appointment with our professionals.