Common and clinical features and follow up findings of adolescents aged 12-18 with disruptive behaviour problems

Objectives: Disruptive Behaviour Disorders (DBD) refer to a group including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD) which commonly co-occur and generate one of the most common reasons for referral to child psychiatry. It has been hypothesized that these cases suffer from coping strategies and emotional regulation. In this study, the features of adolescents with DBD and their treatment efficacy are analyzed. Material and Methods: 82 children aged 12-18 with DBD were recruited. Conner's Parent/Teacher Rating Scale (CPRS) (CTRS), Family Assessment Device (FAD), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Stroop-TBAG Form are applied. Results: Smoking ratio were 28% with higher rates in ADHD-Combine Type, ODD/CD diagnosis and alcohol-substance testing were found. Self-mutilation rate was 58.5%. Among these cases, female sex, ODD and higher DERS and SDQ scores were identified. Cases are diagnosed with ADHD-C (81.7%), ADHD-IN (18.3%), ODD (19.3%) and CD (14.6%). DBD were associated with smoking, antipsychotic use, grade retention, problematic peer relationships and academic failure. ODD and divorced parents, less nuclear parenting and self mutilation were related; where CD and academic failure, early onset, poor parent functioning, smoking and alcohol-substance testing were associated. Cases were treated with stimulants (96.3%) and antipsycotics (17.1%). ODD/DB are related with combined treatment. After treatment, CPRS, CTRS, FAD, SDQ, Stroop Test scores and DERS total scores decreased obviously. Conclusion: Untreated DBD are at risk for smoking, alcohol-substance testing, grade retention and self-mutilation. Emotion dysregulation are noticed especially among smokers, self-mutilation and domestic violence. Treatment methods not only improve core symptoms, but also have positive effects on family functioning and emotion regulation. Key words: ADHD, CD, DBD, Follow up, ODD.