Disorder Class: Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders

A repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated, as manifested by the presence of three (or more) of the following criteria in the past 12 months from any of the categories below, with at least one criterion present in the past 6 months:
1. Aggression to people and  animals
2. Destruction of property
3. Deceitfulness or theft
4. Serious violations of rules
 
The disturbance in behavior causes clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
 
If the individual is age 18 years or older, criteria are not met for Antisocial Personality Disorder
 
Specify age onset:  Individuals show at least one symptom characteristic of conduct disorder prior to age 10 years

[DSM-5] Conduct Disorder Criteria

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is primarily defined by a pervasive pattern of instability across interpersonal relationships, self-image, and mood, combined with significant impulsivity. Individuals with this disorder often experience intense emotions and may engage in frantic behaviors to manage their profound fear of abandonment.

Borderline Personality Disorder

A personality disorder is defined by a pervasive and inflexible personality style that significantly deviates from cultural norms, causing problems for the individual and for others. This pattern typically emerges during adolescence or early adulthood and leads to significant distress or functional impairment.

Personality Disorders

Addictive disorders characterized by a compulsive pattern of drug use and marked by both physical and psychological dependence on the substance. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is used by clinicians to diagnose drug use disorders. Individuals with these disorders often consume more of the substance than intended and persist in its use despite significant adverse consequences.

Substance Use Disorders

Psychotic disorders are severe mental illnesses characterized by thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors that are so impaired the individual cannot function normally and becomes disconnected from reality. This state of being disconnected from the world is known as psychosis. People with these disorders often lose contact with reality and may experience extreme symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Schizophrenia is a primary example of a psychotic disorder.

Psychotic Disorders

A personality disorder is a long-term deviation in behavior, thoughts, and feelings from the cultural norm and expectancies. Without treatment, a personality disorder causes distress to the individual and creates problems in functioning. 

Personality disorders

Abnormalities in the development of the nervous system that are influenced by both our genes and the environment. Developmental disorders commonly manifest as behavioral abnormalities.

Developmental Disorders

Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders are a group of conditions characterized by problems related to the self-control of emotions and behaviors. These disorders are distinct from other disorders with emotional or behavioral regulation due to the nature that these problems result in violations of the rights of others and/or significant conflict with societal norms or authority figures. These disorders and their presentation can greatly vary within the category, as well as between individuals. 


Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders

- Psychotic disorders
- Antipsychotic drugs
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders
- Personality disorders
- Developmental disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Disruptive Behavior Disorders

New York University

Arizona State University

Columbia University

Psychopathology is a term with a dual meaning. It refers to the scientific study of psychological disorders, which includes investigating their symptoms, etiology (causes), and potential treatments. Concurrently, the term can also describe the manifestation of a psychological disorder itself, meaning the abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that indicate its presence.

Psychopathology

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). What are Disruptive, Impulse Control and Conduct Disorders? https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/disruptive-impulse-control-and-conduct-disorders/what-are-disruptive-impulse-control-and-conduct

What are Disruptive, Impulse Control and Conduct Disorders?


Mood disorders are defined as severe disturbances in mood and emotions, which can include depression, mania, and elation. Unlike typical emotional fluctuations, the mood shifts experienced in these disorders are extreme, distort an individual's perspective on life, and significantly impair their ability to function in daily activities.

Mood Disorders

Focuses of Psychopathology

Behaviors and internal experiences that are widely considered abnormal can serve as clear indicators of a psychological disorder. For instance, actions that violate social norms, such as wearing a heavy winter coat in July while screaming at strangers, or patterns like washing one's hands 40 times a day or claiming to hear demonic voices, are often identified as abnormal and suggestive of psychopathology.

Examples of Abnormal Behavior

Based on the scenario below, explain how the term 'psychopathology' applies in two different ways. First, describe the psychopathology as it relates to the client's experience. Second, describe the psychopathology as it relates to the psychologist's professional activities.

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