Disruptive behaviours can pose a challenge to parents and teachers. Though the definition differs in different age groups the main areas include:

• Marked tantrums
• Non-compliance
• Defiance
• Bullying
• Aggression
• Breaking/destroying property
• In older children and adolescent– breaking the law such as stealing, assault damage to public property

What is normal?

Physiological negativism occurs normally during toddlerhood and adolescent. It is a way children start to establish their own identity. Hence terrible twos and adolescent angst are seen in many children. The child or adolescent will do the opposite of what is told to them.

When to worry?

However, when behaviours are repetitive, persistent, and excessive as compared to peer group behaviour norms, age level  and cultural context may indicate a disorder rather than a transient  problems.

Another way to define disruptive behaviour is when the child’s behavior interferes with family life, school, peer relationships or put the child or others in danger.

Underlying problems:

Disruptive behaviour may be a sign of serious psychological or psychiatric problems or environmental problems.

• Anxiety, sleep deprivation, learning problems
• Exposure to adverse childhood experience like abuse, violence or trauma
• Bereavement – death of a near family member
• Substance abuse
• Inappropriate behaviour management by the caretakers
• Stress within the family unit – marital discord, alcoholism
• ADHD, ODD,  CD, Bipolar, Autism Spectrum disorders

Levels of Management:

Parent Effectiveness Training:

• Providing a structured, safe and predictable environment.
• Reinforcing good behaviour
• Encourage positive behaviour through rewards
• Ignore minor unwanted behaviours
• Reduce positive reinforcement of unwanted behaviours.
• Teach negotiation and compromise

      Child Therapy:

• Encourage healthy habits – exercise, outdoor play, balance diet, adequate sleep, avoid frightening or violent media exposure,
• Self-esteem:- diagnose and treat depression, anxiety and learning problems, understanding and coping with emtions.
• Friendship skills-  Teach negotiation and compromise, friendly behaviours
• Anger management

Assessment and medication:

If the above do not work then a complete psychoeducation/psychiatric evaluation and maybe medication can be thought of.

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