Disruptive Behavior Disorders in Young Children (i.e. Oppositional Defiant Disorder) CLINICAL PEARLS • Disruptive behavior problems in young children are the number one reason for referral to mental health agencies. • Evidence-based behavioral interventions with the family have been shown to be very effective for disruptive behavior disorders in young children. • If the trial of evidence-based therapy for behavioral problems in young children is ineffective, then the diagnoses and formulation should be reassessed. Behavior problems are symptoms of the primary issue – mental health or environmental – and evaluation should be done by a mental health professional specializing in young children before moving to the psychopharmacological treatment step. • Parental mental health should be assessed and addressed as well because parental symptomatology often affects their child’s symptoms. • Disruptive behavior could be indicative of underlying trauma or abuse and this should be evaluated. • Clinicians can utilize the OSU Infant Mental Health ECHO or the OSU Pediatric and Behavioral Health ECHO for further consultation. ￮ OSU ECHO Lines RATING SCALES • Survey of Well-Being of Young Children ￮ Screens three domains – developmental, emotional/behavioral, and family context. Includes disruptive behavior questions Includes the Baby Symptom Checklist for ages two months to 18 months and the Preschool Pediatric Symptoms Checklist for ages 18-60 months. ￮ https://www.floatinghospital.org/The-Survey-of-Wellbeing-of-Young-Children/Overview • Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire ￮ Behavioral screening (emotion, conduct, hyperactivity, peer problems, prosocial behavior) for children over the age two. ￮ http://www.sdqinfo.com
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