Question 1

Mr. and Mrs. Mallner are confused about their son's behavior and contacted the social worker to see if he needs "further tests or something to find out if there's something seriously wrong with our son." Fifteen year-old Rick is described with a history of episodic and violent behavior that is out of proportion to the situation. It is during these "episodes" that he will become extremely angry to the point of destroying things or punching holes in the wall or doors). There seems to be no precipitant and "after about half an hour he's back to his old self," adds Mr. Mallner. What is the most likely diagnosis to consider for Rick?
A)Oppositional defiant disorder
B)Conduct disorder
C)Intermittent explosive disorder
D)Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder

Accepted Answer

Rick's episodes of extreme anger and violence without any precipitant suggest a diagnosis of Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), which is characterized by recurrent outbursts of verbal or physical aggression that are out of proportion to the situation. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD) are also characterized by disruptive behavior, but typically include a pattern of violating the rights of others or societal norms. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder is a newer diagnosis for children with chronic and severe irritability and frequent temper outbursts, but it is typically diagnosed in younger children and requires symptoms to be present for at least a year.

Question 2

When it is clear that a disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorder ought to be diagnosed, but the practitioner does not have enough information about the child's difficulties, the following diagnosis is assigned with the understanding that as more information becomes available, a more specific diagnosis can be made. It is:
A)Other specified disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorder
B)Unspecified disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorder
C)Pervasive developmental disorder
D)None of the above

Accepted Answer

Other specified disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorder is a diagnosis that is given when a child meets the criteria for a disruptive, impulse-control, or conduct disorder, but the practitioner does not have enough information to make a more specific diagnosis.

Question 3

Frankie earned the reputation of being the "terrorist of the 4 year olds" at his daycare center. He has been expelled from 2 other daycare centers and is on notice with the current one. If Frankie's behavior does not improve, he will not be invited back. Frankie punches or bites other children so he spends a lot of time in the timeout corner. On the playground, he pushes the other children off the swings for no apparent reason. Frankie squeezes the class pet rabbit and when he thinks no one is looking swings it by the tail despite being told how much this hurts the animal. According to his mother, "Frankie has been hard to manage even when he was an infant." Frankie's diagnosis is:
A)Oppositional defiant disorder, mild
B)Unspecified disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorder
C)Conduct disorder, childhood-onset
D)Intermittent explosive disorder

Accepted Answer

Frankie's behavior is extreme and persistent, with a pattern of violating the rights of others and breaking rules. This fits the criteria for conduct disorder, childhood-onset. Option A and D are not accurate as they do not fully capture the severity and consistency of Frankie's behavior. Option B is not a specific diagnosis and does not provide enough information about Frankie's behaviors.

Question 4

Intermittent explosive disorder should not be diagnosed when the individual's aggressive outbursts are judged to result from the physiological effects of another diagnosable medial condition.

Accepted Answer

Intermittent explosive disorder is a mental disorder characterized by recurrent, uncontrollable outbursts of aggressive or impulsive behavior. However, if the individual's aggressive outbursts are caused by a physiological condition, such as a brain injury or substance use, then a diagnosis of intermittent explosive disorder is not appropriate. The underlying medical condition would need to be treated first.

Question 5

Which one of the following categories are not a part of the criterion describing the pattern of behavior in which the rights of others or societal norms or rules) are violated in conduct disorder?
A)Aggression to people or animals
B)Destruction of property
C)Angry/irritable mood
D)Deceitfulness or theft

Accepted Answer

The criterion for conduct disorder includes aggression to people or animals, destruction of property, and deceitfulness or theft, but not an angry/irritable mood.

Question 6

Allen Semmes is a 3 year-old youngster who was described as an "angel" but lately he has had severe temper tantrums that happen on a weekly basis for the past 6 weeks. According to his mother, "They often follow a change in his routine, not having an afternoon nap, or if he's hungry. On rare occasions Allen will get so worked up that he'll grab something and throw it on the floor. Funny, but his teachers love him at preschool. I don't want to reach any premature conclusions but if there's anything his father and I can do to nip this in the bud, we're all in." Which of the following best describes Allen?
A)Oppositional defiant disorder, mild
B)Intermittent explosive disorder
C)Conduct disorder
D)Does not meet criteria for a disorder

Accepted Answer

While Allen is exhibiting some challenging behavior, it does not appear to meet the criteria for any specific disorder at this time. It is important to continue monitoring his behavior and working on strategies to address his tantrums, but there is not enough information to diagnose a specific disorder.

Question 7

The aggression seen in oppositional defiant disorder is typified by temper tantrums and verbal arguments with authority figures in contrast to the impulsive aggressive outbursts in intermittent explosive disorder which are in response to a broader array of provocation - and including physical assault.

Accepted Answer

Oppositional defiant disorder is characterized by verbal arguments and temper tantrums with authority figures, while intermittent explosive disorder involves impulsive aggressive outbursts in response to a variety of triggers, including physical assault.

Question 8

The social worker remembered thinking, "Wow! That kid sure is a handful. I'm surprised he was not referred sooner." Mark Pryor is an 11 year-old boy who is described by his parents as being stubborn and defiant since early childhood. "Sometimes that child can be so spiteful," adds his father. His mother comments, "If I ask Mark to brush his teeth and he's watching TV, he'll turn around and call me all sorts of names. I know my son doesn't mean it… at least I hope so, but it sure hurts. His brothers walk on eggs when he's in one of his moods, which lately seems to be all the time. Oddly enough he does pretty good in school but I notice he doesn't have that many friends these days." What is the most like diagnosis to consider?
A)Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
B)Disruptive behavior disorder
C)Oppositional defiant disorder
D)Conduct disorder

Accepted Answer

Mark's behavior is consistent with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, which is characterized by a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting at least six months. Mark's behavior appears to be pervasive across multiple settings, and his behavior is creating impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. Although he may display some symptoms of ADHD or Disruptive Behavior Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder is the most appropriate diagnosis based on the information provided. Conduct Disorder would require more severe antisocial behavior, such as aggression towards people or animals, destruction of property, or theft.

Question 9

Betty Martin contacted her 13 year-old daughter's teachers asking how she is doing in school. Lately, her daughter, Isabella, who up to this point had been characterized as the "ideal child," has now become defiant, oppositional, and vindictive. Mrs. Martin adds, "The father and I have been separated for years but now Isabella threatens to leave and move into his apartment over the least little thing. After all we've been through, that really hurts. When I challenge Isabella's behavior, it becomes all my fault. On top of all that, Isabella takes no responsibility for her behavior. Needless to add, things are miserable here at home. I've also noticed her friends are keeping their distance, too." Given Mrs. Martin's account, what diagnosis could be ruled out?
A)Oppositional defiant disorder
B)Major depressive disorder
C)Substance use disorder
D)Adjustment disorder

Accepted Answer

The answer of Betty Martin contacted her 13 year-old daughter's...

Question 10

Sixteen year-old Bill Atkins was referred to the school social worker after his most recent suspension. According to the staff interviewed - the guidance counselor, assistant principal, teachers - Bill has a long history of defiance and aggression toward peers as shown in numerous fights in school. The social worker also interviewed Bill's parents who confirmed the youngster's defiant behavior at home. His parents added that he can be aggressive; seen in breaking doors or punching holes in the walls if he doesn't get his way. Bill's mother comments, "When backed into a corner, Bill will choose a lie rather than the truth. Lately, his father and I have noticed things missing around the house. It started with small change but now I'm afraid to leave my jewelry out." Bill's mood was consistently seen by those who were interviewed as irritable or depressed. No psychotic symptoms or sleep disturbances were reported. What would be the most likely diagnosis to consider for Bill?
A)Oppositional defiant disorder
B)Conduct disorder
C)Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
D)Attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder

Accepted Answer

Bill's history of defiance, aggression, and antisocial behavior at school and at home strongly supports a diagnosis of conduct disorder. The fact that he lies, steals, and has shown property destruction further supports this diagnosis. While oppositional defiant disorder and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder may be considered in the differential diagnosis, Bill's behaviors go beyond simply being argumentative or moody. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may co-occur with conduct disorder, but it is not the primary diagnosis in this case.

Question 11

Which of the following statements reflect the most likely risk factors seen in a child with the diagnosis of a conduct disorder:
A)Parental rejection and neglect, inconsistent child-rearing practices, harsh discipline, physical or sexual abuse, lack of supervision, early institutional living, frequent changes of caregivers, large family size, parental criminality
B)Peer rejection, association with a delinquent peer group, neighborhood exposure to violence
C)Having a parent or sibling with conduct disorder, biological parents with severe alcohol use, depressive and bipolar disorders, or schizophrenia or who have a history of conduct disorder or attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder
D)None listed

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following statements reflect the...

Question 12

Aggression in the context of a mood disorder is a behavior that qualifies for the criterion of aggression to people and animals for conduct disorder.

Accepted Answer

Aggression in the context of a mood disorder is considered a symptom or manifestation of the mood disorder itself, rather than qualifying for the criterion of aggression to people and animals for conduct disorder, which is a separate diagnosis primarily characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules.

Question 13

Looking to the symptom of running away from home overnight in the context of conduct disorder, the frequency according to diagnostic criteria must occur:
A)At least once without returning home for a lengthy period
B)At least twice in response to abuse, such as physical or sexual
C)At least three times
D)At least five times

Accepted Answer

The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder specify that the individual must have run away from home overnight at least once without returning home for a lengthy period.

Question 14

Children who show behavior characterized by characterized by a pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior toward authority figures and along with the absence of a serious violation of the basic rights of others can be considered for the diagnosis of:
A)Conduct disorder
B)Oppositional defiant disorder
C)Antisocial personality disorder
D)Intermittent explosive disorder

Accepted Answer

The behavior described is characteristic of Oppositional Defiant Disorder, which involves persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, and vindictiveness towards authority figures, but does not involve serious violations of the rights of others. Conduct disorder involves more severe violations of the rights of others, while Antisocial Personality Disorder and Intermittent Explosive Disorder are both more severe diagnoses typically seen in adults.

Question 15

The diagnosis of intermittent explosive disorder can be made even if the impulsive aggressive outbursts occur in the context of an adjustment disorder.

Accepted Answer

The diagnosis of intermittent explosive disorder cannot be made if the aggressive outbursts are better explained by another mental disorder, such as an adjustment disorder.

Question 16

The likely onset for oppositional defiant disorder typically occurs in adolescence.

Accepted Answer

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) often begins before the age of 8, typically manifesting during preschool years, not adolescence.

Question 17

Cyber bullying qualifies as aggressive behavior under the criterion of aggression to people and animal as defined for a conduct disorder.

Accepted Answer

Aggression towards people is a criterion for conduct disorder and cyber bullying involves aggressive behavior towards people, therefore it qualifies as aggressive behavior under the criterion of aggression for conduct disorder.

Question 18

Forcing someone into sexual activity is a behavior that can be considered among the criterion for conduct disorder.

Accepted Answer

Conduct disorder is a behavioral and emotional disorder that typically occurs in children and teenagers. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of violating the rights of others, which can include aggression towards people or animals, destruction of property, theft, deceitfulness, and serious violations of rules. Forcing someone into sexual activity can be considered a serious violation of another person's rights and therefore fits the criteria for conduct disorder.

Question 19

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is characterized by a persistently negative mood state - such as irritability, anger - most of the day, nearly every day, between impulsive aggressive outbursts.

Accepted Answer

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is characterized by chronic and severe irritability or anger between outbursts that are impulsive and aggressive in nature. These mood disturbances are present most of the day, nearly every day.

Question 20

Individuals with childhood-onset type conduct disorder are more likely to have persistent conduct disorder into adulthood.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that individuals with childhood-onset conduct disorder are more likely to have persistent conduct disorder into adulthood than those with adolescent-onset conduct disorder or those without a history of conduct disorder.

Quiz 13: Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders

Intermittent explosive disorder should not be diagnosed when the individual's aggressive outbursts are judged to result from the physiological effects of another diagnosable medial condition.

Which one of the following categories are not a part of the criterion describing the pattern of behavior in which the rights of others or societal norms or rules) are violated in conduct disorder?

Which of the following statements reflect the most likely risk factors seen in a child with the diagnosis of a conduct disorder: