Care of Children with Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders

Vocabulary flashcards covering definitions, symptoms, risk factors, and interventions for Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder in children.

Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders

A DSM-5 category encompassing conditions such as ODD and CD that involve problems with self-control of emotions and behaviors.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

A recurrent pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness toward authority figures without major antisocial violations.

Conduct Disorder (CD)

A persistent pattern of behavior violating societal norms, rules, laws, or the rights of others; includes aggression, property destruction, deceit/theft, and serious rule violations.

Angry / Irritable Mood (ODD)

Core ODD feature marked by frequent loss of temper, touchiness, and resentment.

Argumentative / Defiant Behavior (ODD)

ODD component involving arguing with authority, defying rules, deliberately annoying others, and blaming others for mistakes.

Vindictiveness (ODD)

Spiteful or revenge-seeking behavior that occurs at least twice within six months.

Passive-Aggressive Behaviors

Indirect resistance to demands (e.g., stubbornness, procrastination) commonly seen in ODD.

Childhood-Onset Conduct Disorder

CD subtype diagnosed when at least one symptom appears before age 10; often predicts worse prognosis.

Adolescent-Onset Conduct Disorder

CD subtype in which no symptoms occur before age 10; generally shows better outcomes than childhood onset.

Lack of Guilt or Remorse

Characteristic emotional deficit in CD in which the child shows little empathy for victims.

Severity Specifiers (CD)

Mild, Moderate, or Severe labels based on the amount and impact of rule-breaking and harm to others.

Problem-Solving Deficits

Limited ability to link actions with consequences, common in ODD and CD children.

Comorbidity with ADHD

Frequent overlap of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with ODD or CD, complicating treatment.

Biological Influences

Genetics, temperament, and biochemical factors that raise risk for ODD/CD.

Psychosocial Influences

Peer rejection, adverse social conditions, and family factors contributing to ODD/CD.

Parental Rejection

A family risk factor for CD involving lack of warmth, support, or acceptance.

Inconsistent Management with Harsh Discipline

Erratic, punitive parenting style linked to development of ODD and CD.

Parent Education

Primary nursing intervention that teaches caregivers behavior-change strategies, consistency, and self-care.

Structure and Routines

Predictable schedules (sleep, meals, homework) that reduce disruptive behaviors.

Age-Appropriate Rules & Consequences

Clear expectations and consistent follow-through matched to the child’s developmental level.

Time-Out Technique

Brief removal from reinforcement to help a child regain control and insight.

Positive Feedback

Immediate praise or rewards for acceptable behavior to reinforce desired actions.

Manipulative Behavior

Attempts to control others for personal gain; should be met with matter-of-fact consequences.

Social Skills Training

Intervention teaching appropriate peer interaction, often using role-play for ODD/CD.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Therapy targeting thoughts and behaviors; includes anger management and conflict resolution for CD.

Anger Management

CBT component that teaches recognition of triggers and use of coping strategies to control aggression.

Team Sports Participation

Structured physical activity shown to positively impact behavior and self-esteem in disruptive youths.

Early Intervention

Preventive efforts in at-risk children to reduce progression to severe CD or adult antisocial disorder.

Antisocial Personality Disorder Progression

30–50 % of youths with CD are later diagnosed with this adult disorder featuring pervasive disregard for others.

Legal System Coordination

Collaboration with courts and probation officers for severe CD cases to ensure safety and treatment compliance.