DSM-IV-TR criteria

This category is for disorders characterized by conduct or oppositional defiant behaviors that do not meet the given criteria for Conduct Disorder (CD) or Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). For example, it includes clinical presentations that do not meet the full criteria for Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) or Conduct Disorder (CD), but in which there is clinically significant impairment. There may be unique circumstances of the child’s behavior, or there may not have been enough information collected early to make a full diagnosis. The Disruptive Behavior Disorder NOS allows for examining clinicians to document that a child has a behavior problem, and allows the clinician to make a more precise diagnosis in the future.

Empirically Supported Treatments

The treatment for Disruptive Behavior Disorders is a combination of specialized Parent Skills training. Parent training and therapy with the child or adolescent tends to be most effective when done in the family home.