What are Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders (DICD)?

Disruptive, impulse control, and conduct disorders (DICD) are a group of mental disorders characterized by consistent actions that violate the rights of others or societal norms. These disorders typically develop during childhood or adolescence and can have a great impact on a person’s daily functioning and relationships.

These DICD disorders are:

• • • Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
    • Conduct disorder (CD)
    • Intermittent explosive disorder (IED)
    • Pyromania
    • Kleptomania

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a mental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior toward authority figures. ODD is typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, and its symptoms can have a significant impact on a person’s daily functioning and relationships.

Symptoms of ODD may include:

• • • Frequently losing temper
    • Arguing with adults
    • Refusing to comply with requests or rules
    • Deliberately annoying others
    • Blaming others for one’s own mistakes or misbehavior
    • Being easily annoyed by others
    • Being angry and resentful
    • Being spiteful or vindictive

Conduct disorder (CD) is a mental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of aggressive, destructive, and deceitful behavior that disregards the rights of others or societal norms. Symptoms of CD may include:

• • • Aggressive behavior towards people and animals, such as bullying, fighting, and cruelty to animals
    • Destruction of property, such as setting fires, vandalism, and breaking
    • Deceitfulness or theft, such as lying, stealing, and cheating
    • Serious violations of rules and laws, such as running away from home, truancy, and substance abuse
    • A disregard for the safety of self and others

Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a psychological disorder characterized by recurrent, impulsive, and aggressive behavior and verbal or physical outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation. The aggressive behavior of IED is often described as “impulsive and without provocation” and can result in property damage, physical injury, or strained relationships. Symptoms of IED include:

• • • Recurrent, impulsive, aggressive behavior or verbal outbursts.
    • Aggressive behavior or verbal outbursts are out of proportion to the situation.
    • Aggressive behavior or verbal outbursts cause significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
    • Any substance abuse or a medical condition does not cause the aggressive behavior or verbal outbursts.

Pyromania is a mental disorder characterized by recurrent fire-setting behavior and an intense interest in fire. It is a rare disorder, and it is classified as a type of impulse control disorder. Symptoms of pyromania include:

• • • Recurrent fire-setting behavior
    • An intense interest in fire, such as a fascination with firefighting equipment or fire trucks 
    • Pleasure, gratification, or relief at the time of setting a fire
    • Lacks a specific motive for setting the fire, such as revenge, financial gain, or to cover up a crime
    • The fire-setting behavior is not due to any general medical condition or substance abuse

Kleptomania is a mental disorder characterized by recurrent stealing behavior and an intense interest in stealing. It is also a rare disorder, and it is classified as a type of impulse control disorder. Symptoms of kleptomania include:

• • • Recurrent stealing behavior
    • An intense interest in stealing, such as collecting stolen items or planning the next theft
    • Satisfaction, joy, or relief at the time of stealing
    • Lacks a specific motive for stealing
    • Theft cannot be attributed to medical conditions or substance use
    • The stealing behavior causes significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning

Treatment options for Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders (DICD) often involve a combination of therapeutic approaches aimed at improving behavior, emotional regulation, and family dynamics. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy, is commonly used. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors, while family therapy focuses on enhancing communication and strengthening relationships within the family unit. Parenting skills training is also highly effective, equipping parents with practical strategies to manage their child’s challenging behaviors, especially in cases of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) or Conduct Disorder (CD). Additionally, social skills training helps children and adolescents develop appropriate social interactions and improve their relationships with peers. Behavioral therapy, another key component, reinforces positive behaviors through rewards and reduces negative behaviors through consistent consequences, promoting healthier and more adaptive patterns of conduct.