Canadian Medical Guide > Psychiatry and Psychology > Mental Disorders > Mental Disorders Diagnosed in Childhood > Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders Terms and Definitions

Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - A behavior disorder originating in childhood in which the essential features are signs of developmentally inappropriate inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Although most individuals have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, one or the other pattern may be predominant. The disorder is more frequent in males than females. Onset is in childhood. Symptoms often attenuate during late adolescence although a minority experience the full complement of symptoms into mid-adulthood. (From DSM-IV)

Conduct Disorder - A repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated. These behaviors include aggressive conduct that causes or threatens physical harm to other people or animals, nonagressive conduct that causes property loss or damage, deceitfulness or theft, and serious violations of rules. The onset is before age 18. (From DSM-IV, 1994)

Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders Medical Definitions and Terms