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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (Hyperkinetic Disorders)
ADHD or ADD is characterized by a majority of the following symptoms being present in either category (inattention or hyperactivity). These symptoms need to manifest themselves in a manner and degree which is inconsistent with the child's current developmental level. That is, the child's behavior is significantly more inattentive or hyperactive than that of his or her peers of a similar age: Persisting for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and immature, the patient has either inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity (or both) as shown by: Inattention. At least 6 of the following often apply: Fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless errors in schoolwork, work or other activities. Has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play. Doesn't appear to listen when being told something. Neither follows through on instructions nor completes chores, schoolwork, or jobs (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand). Has trouble organizing activities and tasks. Dislikes or avoids tasks that involve sustained mental effort (homework, schoolwork). Loses materials needed for activities (assignments, books, pencils, tools, toys). Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli. Forgetful. Hyperactivity-Impulsivity. At least 6 of the following often apply: Squirms in seat or fidgets. Inappropriately leaves seat. Inappropriately runs or climbs (in adolescents or adults, the may be only a subjective feeling of restlessness). Has trouble quietly playing or engaging in leisure activity. Appears driven or "on the go". Talks excessively. Impulsivity Answers questions before they have been completely asked. Has trouble or awaiting turn. Interrupts or intrudes on others. Begins before age 7. Symptoms must be present in at least 2 types of situations, such as school, work, home. The disorder impairs school, social or occupational functioning. The symptoms do not occur solely during a Pervasive Developmental Disorder or any psychotic disorder including Schizophrenia. The symptoms are not explained better by a Mood, Anxiety, Dissociative or Personality Disorder. Associated Features: Learning Problem. Hyperactivity.
Behavior Disorders ( Disruptive )
Disruptive Behavior Disorders, also referred to also as Behavior Disorders, are the most common reasons children are referred for mental health practitioners for possible treatment. All disruptive behavior is not the same, Behavior Disorders is an umbrella term that includes more specific disorders, such as Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, and ADHD. Attention Deficit Disorder: ADHD or ADD is characterized by inattention or hyperactivity, persisting for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and immature. Oppositional Defiant Disorder: In Oppositional Defiant Disorder, the child breaks the rules of those in the family and the school. Oppositional Defiant Disorder may occur in children of any age and in adolescents. Sometimes Oppositional Defiant Disorder leads to Conduct Disorder. Conduct Disorder Behaviors: In Conduct Disorder, the rules broken include the regulations and laws made by society. Conduct Disorder usually occurs in older children and adolescents. Between one and four percent of young persons seven to seventeen have Conduct Disorder. Cause: Research has identified both biological and environmental causes for Disruptive Behavior Disorders. Youngsters most at risk for Oppositional Defiant and Conduct Disorder are those who have low birth weight, neurological damage or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Youngsters may also be at risk if they were rejected by their mothers as babies, separated from their parents and not given good foster care, physically or sexually abused, raised in homes with mothers who were abused, or living in poverty. Treatment: Because so many of the factors that cause Disruptive Behavior Disorders happen very early in a child’s life, it is important to recognize the problems as early as possible and get treatment. The treatment which appears to have shown the best results is a combination of specialized Parent Skills training. Parent training and therapy with the child or adolescent, is most effective when done in the family home.
Conduct Disorder
A pattern of repetitive behavior where the rights of others or the social norms are violated and in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated, as manifested by the presence of three (or more) of the following criteria in the past 12 months, with at least one criterion present in the past 6 months: Aggression to people and animals: Often bullies, threatens, or intimidates others. Often initiates physical fights. Has used a weapon that can cause serious physical harm to others. Has been physically cruel to people. Has been physically cruel to animals. Has stolen while confronting a victim. Has forced someone into sexual activity. Destruction of property: Has deliberately engaged in fire setting with the intention of causing serious damage. Has deliberately destroyed others' property (other than by fire setting). Deceitfulness or theft: Has broken into someone else's house, building, or car. Often lies to obtain goods or favors or to avoid obligations (i.e., "cons" others). Has stolen items of nontrivial value without confronting a victim (e.g., shoplifting, but without breaking and entering; forgery). Serious violations of rules: Often stays out at night despite parental prohibitions, beginning before age 13 years. Has run away from home overnight at least twice while living in parental or parental surrogate home (or once without returning for a lengthy period). Is often truant from school, beginning before age 13 years. The disturbance in behavior causes clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. If the individual is age 18 years or older, criteria are not met for Antisocial Personality Disorder. Specify Type based on age at onset: 1. Childhood-Onset Type: onset of at least one criterion characteristic of Conduct Disorder prior to age 10 years. 2. Adolescent-Onset Type: absence of any criteria characteristic of Conduct Disorder prior to age 10 years. Specify Severity: 1. Mild: few if any conduct problems in excess of those required to make the diagnosis and conduct problems cause only minor harm to others. 2. Moderate: number of conduct problems and effect on others intermediate between "mild" and "severe". 3. Severe: many conduct problems in excess of those required to make the diagnosis or conduct problems cause considerable harm to others. Associated Features: Learning Problem Depressed Mood Hyperactivity Addiction Dramatic or Erratic or Antisocial Personality
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