Child Health A-Z

Behavior Disorders

Behavior disorders (sometimes referred to as disruptive behavior disorders) are the most common reasons children are referred for mental health evaluations and treatment. All disruptive behavior is not the same. Behavior disorders include mental health problems which include behaviors and emotional problems that create interpersonal and emotional problems for children and adolescents during the course of their development.

The most common behavior disorder in children is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which includes inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive behaviors. Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is another behavior disorder that includes behaviors disruptive to relationships with others (i.e., angry and resentful oppositional behavior). Conduct disorder involves behaviors which violate social norms and expectations.

There are many types of behavioral disorders that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.

Last Update
February 3, 2008