Disruptive, Impulsive Control, and Conduct Disorders

Conduct disorder

psychological disorder marked by chronic disregard for other’s rights, aggression, property destruction, theft and serious rule violation

Childhood onset

begins before age 10

Adolescent-onset

begins @ age 10

Life-course-persistent antisocial

persists into adulthood 

Limited prosocial behavior is needed for diagnosis

lack of remorse/guilt for actions, lack of empathy

lack of concern about school/work performance

shallow emotions, use manipulaiton

Psychopathy

superficial harm, grandiose self-worth, pathological lying, cunning/manipulative, lack remorse

Oppositional defiant disorder

chronic misbehavior in children, begins in preschool/toddler

struggle with emotion regulation/self control

less agressive

Biological factors

genetics, MAOA gene + abuse, abnormal prefrontal cortex, decrease amygdala activity

neurotoxin exposure, high serotonin/testosterone, abnormal cortisol levels

Social factors

lower socioeconomic status, difficult infant temperament, abuse/neglect, malnutriton

Cognitive factors

process info in a way that promotes aggressive, reactive behavior

Treatments for conduct disorder

changing interpretations of interpersonal interactions

developing skills @ school + home

need unproblematic parenting

Therapist must be

sensitive to cultural differences, interventions must begin early in life

Therapies include

stimulants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers

Antisocial personality disorder

criminal behavior against society

pervasive pattern of criminal, impulsive, ruthless behaviors

no regard for other, respect for social norms

people with antisocial personality struggle with

forming relationships, tend to violate the rights of others

characteristics of antisocial personality disorder

impulsive, irritable, aggressive

lack remorse/empathy

Intermittent explosive disorder

several episodes of failure to resist aggressive impulses

aggression is out of proportion to situation and as a result of anger

Symptoms of intermittent explosive disorder

not better explained by other disorder, substances, or medical condition

ages 6 and up, aggression can be verbal + physical

intermittent explosive disorder leads to 

legal difficulties, failed relationships, loss of employment

Affect liability

emotional instability as rapid, exaggerated changes in mood

Possible explanations for intermittent explosive

imbalance of serotonin

diminished orbitofrontal cortex + hyperactive amygdala

Treatments for intermittent explosive

CBT to avoid triggers

SSRI/SNRI 

mood stabilizers