Family Dysfunction and the Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Abstract

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (3d ed. rev.) (DSM-III-R; American Psychiatric Association, 1987) delineates three syndromes within the broad category of Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBDs). First, Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a syndrome characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity, and motor activity. The final two categories of DBDs distinguish between two types of childhood conduct problems, with the distinction based primarily on the seriousness of the acts involved. Conduct Disorder (CD) is defined as a persistent pattern of severe conduct problems and antisocial behavior in which the basic rights of others and major age-appropriate societal norms are violated. In contrast, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) refers to a pattern of negativistic, hostile, noncompliant, and defiant behavior, without the more serious violations of the basic rights of others found in CD.