Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders

These disorders involve problems with emotional regulation and behavioural self-control, often violating social norms or the rights of others.

Onset typically occurs in childhood or adolescence.

Core Features:
- Persistent pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behaviour, or vindictiveness
Signs/Symptoms (≥4 for ≥6 months):
- Often loses temper
- Easily annoyed
- Frequently argues with adults/authority figures
- Actively defies/refuses rules
- Deliberately annoys others
- Blames others for own mistakes
- Spiteful or vindictive (≥2 times in 6 months)
Key Notes:
- Behaviours must occur with someone other than a sibling
- Can be mild (1 setting) to severe (3+ settings)
- Often precedes or co-occurs with ADHD or Conduct Disorder

Core Features:
- Persistent violation of societal norms or basic rights of others
Signs/Symptoms (≥3 in past 12 months, ≥1 in past 6 months):
- Aggression to people or animals (e.g. bullying, fighting, cruelty)
- Property destruction (e.g. fire-setting, vandalism)
- Deceit or theft (e.g. breaking into property, lying, shoplifting)
- Serious rule violations (e.g. truancy, running away)
Key Notes:
- Subtypes: Childhood-onset (<10 yo) or Adolescent-onset (>10 yo)
- May lead to Antisocial Personality Disorder in adulthood
- Frequently comorbid with ADHD, mood disorders, and substance use

Core Features:
- Recurrent impulsive aggressive outbursts, out of proportion to any trigger
Signs/Symptoms:
- Verbal aggression or physical aggression occurring twice weekly for ≥3 months
- Or 3 behavioural outbursts causing damage/injury within 12 months
Key Notes:
- Aggression is not premeditated
- No physical gain (distinguishes from Conduct Disorder)