Behavioural and Developmental Disorders - External Behaviour Disorders

According to Achenbach and Edelbrock (1978), childhood developmental problems are broadly classified into two categories: undercontrolled (externalising) problems and overcontrolled (internalising) problems. Undercontrolled children tend to display aggressive, disobedient, disruptive, and difficult-to-manage behaviours. Several disorders fall under this externalising category, including Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Conduct Disorder (CD).

• Meaning: ADHD involves inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity (all three symptoms required for diagnosis).
• Symptoms: Inattention (easily distracted, unfinished tasks), impulsivity (acts without thinking), and hyperactivity (restlessness, fidgeting).
• Impact: More common in boys; causes school problems despite normal intelligence.
• Causes: Linked to heredity, home stress, and maternal alcohol or smoking during pregnancy.
• Treatment: Managed through medication, behaviour therapy, and family support.

• Meaning: ODD is marked by persistent stubbornness, irritability, defiance, and hostility beyond normal age behaviour.
• Symptoms: Begins in early childhood and includes an angry mood, argumentative behaviour, and vindictiveness.
• Diagnosis: Based on the intensity and persistence of oppositional behaviour.
• Causes: Influenced by genetic and environmental factors, especially parenting style.
• Management: Early intervention and positive parenting help prevent progression to more serious disorders.

• Meaning: Conduct Disorder (CD) involves serious, hostile, and violent behaviour with disregard for others’ rights.
• Behaviours: Includes aggression (fighting, bullying), cruelty, theft, vandalism, arson, deceit, and rule violations.
• Gender Pattern: Boys show more aggression and destruction, while girls show more deceit and rule-breaking.
• Causes: Linked to genetics, brain damage, child abuse, dysfunctional families, poverty, and impulsivity.
• Treatment: Managed through therapy for emotional control, behaviour change, and removal from abusive environments.

• Classification: Childhood developmental problems are divided into externalising (undercontrolled) and internalising (overcontrolled) types. ADHD, ODD, and CD fall under externalising disorders.
• ADHD: Marked by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity; more common in boys and causes academic difficulties despite normal intelligence.
• ODD: Characterised by persistent defiance, irritability, and argumentative behaviour beyond normal age limits; early intervention is important.
• CD: Involves serious, aggressive, deceitful, and rule-breaking behaviours with disregard for others’ rights.
• Causes & Treatment: These disorders are influenced by genetic and environmental factors and are managed through therapy, behaviour modification, family support, and early intervention.