Impulse control Disorders are a variety of behavioural disturbances. These include: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder (CD), and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). Combined, these disorders affect up to 8-10% percent of youth. AD/HD has a prevalence of about 3-5%. Impulse control disorders normally begin before puberty, while the onset of impulse control symptoms after puberty suggests another disturbance such as mood or psychotic disorder. They can all be associated with poor academic and/or vocational outcomes. They often co-exist with one or more language or learning disabilities and can lead to substance/alcohol abuse or criminal activity. With CD or ODD, appropriate adult guidance and limit setting are helpful. With AD/HD, medical treatments may be necessary. Many youth with CD/ODD display outbursts of anger and/or acts of violence. Youth with AD/HD tend to be inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive.
Everyone has trouble paying attention from time to time, especially during activities that are boring or not enjoyable. But for children and youth with ADHD/ADD, the problems with paying attention and getting distracted are so severe that youth can have problems with school, work and relationships.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder usually becomes evident before eight years and not later than early adolescence. ODD is a pattern of defiant, disobedient, and hostile behaviour towards authority figures. ODD can be more common in families that include a parent with a mood disorder. Many youth with ODD have a background of untreated AD/HD or a language or learning disability. Boys with this disorder outnumber girls.
Conduct Disorder is a very serious behaviour problem where a child violates either the basic rights of others, or major rules and norms of society. If not corrected, children with Conduct Disorder face the risk of having future problems with the law.
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