Many parents seek out therapy for their child or teen who is “behaving badly.” There can be many reasons and explanations for a child’s attitude, explosive reactions, and anger. Many children struggle with emotional awareness and management, using helpful coping skills, and communicating/expressing their needs and/or frustrations. Anger is a normal and healthy human emotion, and it can look different as the child develops. In some cases, there may be something deeper going on that may be associated with a mental health diagnosis. The anger becomes chronic, the defiance is stronger, and the aggressive behaviors seem more frequent, intense, and difficult to manage. Sometimes, these patterns may fit a diagnosis for Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.
Conduct Disorder (CD)
CD looks like an ongoing pattern of aggressive behavior towards others, where there are also violations of rules and social norms across various settings, such as at school, at home, and with peers. With CD, violations may involve those with the law and could result in an arrest. Symptoms can begin as early as the preschool years, become more serious around ages 15-18, and are more common in males than in females.
Common Signs of Conduct Disorder:
- Running away/Staying out late at night
- Skipping school
- Bullying
- Getting into fights/aggressive behavior
- Signs of cruelty to animals
- Lying
- Stealing/damaging other people’s property/vandalism
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
ODD is another behavioral disorder typically seen in children who show symptoms of being argumentative, uncooperative, easily irritated, and hostile. A child with ODD could struggle getting along with authority figures such as teachers and parents. The key difference between CD and ODD is that with ODD, the child will typically not engage in severe rule-breaking behaviors or major violations of others’ rights. It is normal for many children to show some defiant behavior during early development. However, if the behavior persists for more than 6 months and significantly impairs daily functioning, it may meet the criteria for Oppositional Defiant Disorder and should be assessed by a professional.
Common Signs of Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Argue frequently with authority figures
- fighting/arguing/aggressive behavior
- Difficulty with frustration tolerance
- Blaming others for their mistakes
- Talking back
- Irritable mood
- Easily annoyed
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
DMDD is a mood disorder over a behavioral disorder. Therefore, the child may be described as “being angry all of the time” and experiencing chronic angry outbursts. DMDD may sometimes occur alongside another condition, such as a neurodevelopmental disorder, such as autism spectrum disorder. A child with DMDD will have a very difficult time regulating their emotions, and their emotional reactions may be described as stronger than expected for their age or the situation. DMDD is most commonly diagnosed in children between the ages of 6 and 18 years old.
Common Signs of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
- Verbal or physical explosive outbursts
- Difficulty with emotional regulation
- Easily irritable/frustrated
- Difficulty tolerating disappointment
- Frequent meltdowns
- Described as “always angry.”
If your child displays any of the symptoms for CD, ODD, and DMDD, it does not automatically mean they meet the criteria for these diagnoses. It is important to seek professional help and have a proper assessment completed. Contact a professional today to seek therapeutic help for your child’s emotional and mental well-being.
At Avedian Counseling Center, we have professionals ready to help you navigate relationship challenges. To learn more about our couples therapy and family counseling services and receive support, reach out today to pave the way.
Rita Akhian, AMFT#142256 is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Avedian Counseling Center, offering individual, couples, and family therapy in Sherman Oaks, Glendale, and Pasadena. Rita works under the licensed supervision of Chrys Gkotsi, LMFT #113638.
