Disruptive behavior disorders in children: a narrative review
Disruptive behavior disorders in children: a narrative review

Summary/Abstract: Method: This narrative review summarizes research from the years 2019-2024 on disruptive behavior disorders in children that include conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. Results: This recent research suggests a prevalence rate of 3% for conduct disorder and a higher rate of 14% for the less severe oppositional defiant disorder. Correlates/comorbidities of disruptive behavior disorders have included callous unemotional traits, ADHD, and depression. Predictors/risk factors in this literature have included negative parenting, child maltreatment, slow recognition of facial expressions and excessive screen time. Studies on potential underlying biological mechanisms include low skin conductance reactivity, co-inhibition of parasympathetic/sympathetic activity, low white and grey matter volume, and low connectivity and activation in various brain regions. Interventions have included cognitive behavioral therapy, and parenting programs. Discussion: The studies in this review highlight the prevalence and severity of disruptive behavior disorders in children. However, they are limited by being primarily based on mixedage child and adolescent samples as well as including conduct and oppositional disorder youth in the same groups, and results that have varied by the correlates/comorbidities of the disorders.

• Details
• Contents