Management of pediatric disruptive disorders

Disruptive behavior disorders include conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. Aggression, hostility, rule breaking, defiance of authority and violation of social norms are the primary behaviors seen in these disorders. There are no established fully effective psychosocial or behavioral therapies. This review of both behavioral and pharmacological approaches to treatment documents some degree of short-term benefit in research settings. Studies suggest a lack of significant long-term benefit to behavioral therapy when the conduct disorder is of any significant severity or when delivered in community settings. The long-term safety and effectiveness of pharmacotherapy of disruptive behavior disorder is not established.