Children argue, have tantrums, disagree with authority and display other challenging behaviors as a normal part of going through different developmental stages. However, these disruptive behaviors can become serious if they grow severe, are occurring frequently, and/ or put their safety or the safety of others at risk.

Two Types of Disruptive Behavior Disorders:

Conduct Disorder

A child with this disorder is often showing excessive aggression toward other people and significantly struggles with following rules. Their inability to follow rules may be so extreme that they are breaking laws and getting into serious legal trouble. These behavioral challenges make it difficult for them to maintain healthy relationships and their risky behavior may also result in physical and/or emotional injuries of themselves or others.

Symptoms and Examples of Behaviors:

• Bullying or being aggressive toward other people and/or cruelty to animals
• Risky behaviors such as substance misuse, excessive speeding in cars, skipping school, sneaking out of the house, or other serious violations of rules and safety
• Damaging personal or public property
• Frequently lying
• Stealing

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

If a child is acting out frequently and it is causing problems throughout all aspects of their life—home life, school, friendships, etc.—then they may be struggling with this disorder. Typically, this disorder shows in adolescent children and is less common in teens. A child with this will often argue with or defy authority figures.

Symptoms and Examples of Behaviors:

• Often arguing with authority figures
• Doesn’t follow rules well
• Often angry or having tantrums
• Easily irritated or they go out of their way to irritate others
• Inability to take responsibility for mistakes, blames others

What You Can Do to Help

• Seek professional help. It’s important to have a physician or licensed mental health professional examine the child for an accurate assessment and diagnosis of their physical and mental health.

• If the youth expresses thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or violence against another person, call 911 immediately. Take these statements seriously and get them professional help as soon as possible.

• Encourage the use of coping skills that will help the child regulate their emotions (i.e., deep breathing, meditation, exercise, listening to music, etc.).

• Work closely with the child’s teachers and school guidance counselors to ensure everyone knows how to best support the child.

• Encourage the child to exercise or do physical activities they enjoy. Regular exercise can help with depression, promote better sleep and reduce challenging behaviors.

• Consider attending therapy sessions together to show them your commitment to their wellness. Allow the child to express their feelings openly and honestly without judgment or shame.

KVC Missouri Children’s Mental Health Can Help

KVC Missouri provides the most comprehensive continuum of child and family services across the state, including family strengthening services, foster care case management, foster parent training and licensing, community-based services and residential children’s mental health treatment, K-12 therapeutic education, therapeutic adventure and wilderness programs and more. With regional campuses in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia and St. James, our 800+ team members bring innovative quality care models, clinical expertise, exceptional outcomes and groundbreaking work in trauma-informed care. Our broad continuum of care means that children can access mental health services from the least intensive, community-based care to the most intensive, residential treatment programs, receiving an individualized care plan from highly skilled behavioral health professionals.

Here are some KVC Missouri resources to help you understand and address disruptive behavior disorders: 

• Learn about the 3 most common levels of mental health treatment for children & teens
• Find out how adventure and wilderness programs can help a child overcome mental health challenges and experience personal growth
• Learn what to expect when admitting your child for mental health residential treatment
• Discover how we are leading change to address the children’s mental health crisis in Missouri

Here’s a list of additional resources you can contact for help:

• Call the child’s primary care physician or your local community mental health center
• Text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 support from the Crisis Text Line
• Call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 800-950-6264 or visit their website at nami.org
• Learn more about behavior disorders and access resources from the Child Mind Institute