What is the relationship between mental disorders and behavioral disorders?
- davidjackson9150
- Dec 11, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 30, 2021

Brain disorders include Behavior and Mental Health Disorders. The most significant distinction between a behavior disorder and another kind of psychiatric illness is the existence of the ability to choose. Psychological disorders are believed as involuntary, while with behavioral disorders, anxiety disorders and there is a need for choices. This does not mean that behavior disorders do not also have physical causes, however.
What Is a Behavior Disorder?
Behavior disorders are a condition that requires conscious thought. The most common cause of a behavior disorder involves substance (such as substance abuse or dependence) in which the person who suffers from the disorder makes the conscious choice to consume the substance. Another type of disorder characterized by behavior is eating disorders, such as anorexia-nervosa.
What Is a Mental Disorder That Is Not a Behavior Disorder?
A mental disorder that is not behavioral is one with symptoms believed to be uncontrollable. Examples of these diseases include Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and mood disorders like bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders, such as Social anxiety disorders.
Heritability of Behavior Disorders
Although the conventional wisdom may have been that non-behavioral disorders are more likely to be passed down through generations than behavior disorders, addictive behaviors research on Psychiatric Diseases about Behavior Disorders and the Degree of Genetic Influence suggests otherwise. The study suggests that the estimated heritability of the disorder is as the following:
Bipolar disorder - 85%
Schizophrenia - 81%
Alzheimer's Disease 75 percent
Cocaine use disorder - 72%
Anorexia Nervosa - 60 60%
Dependence on alcohol 56 percent
Sedative use disorder - 51%
Cannabis use disorder - 48%
Disorder of panic 43 percent
Stimulant use disorder - 40%
While non-behavioral disorders dominate the list, many behavior disorders are more inherited than other disorders. This indicates an underlying genetic link and a predisposition to physical problems in a few (What is the cause of mental illness? Genetics, Environment, Risk Factors).
Behavior Disorder in Children - Oppositional Defiant Disorder
According to Medscape, the oppositional defiant disorder is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a recurrent pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting at least six months. To be diagnosed, the patient must exhibit at least four of these categories:
Angry/Irritable Mood
Often loses temper
A lot of times, people are touchy or easily annoyed.
Sometimes angry and furious and
Argumentative/Defiant Behavior
Sometimes, they argue with authority figures, or adults (it is a teenager or child)
Often, they actively resist or refuse to fulfill requests of authorities
Sometimes, it is deliberately annoying others
Sometimes, people blame others for their or her mistakes or their poor conduct
The symptoms are usually present at home, and they can be visible in the community or at school.
Behavior Disorder in Children - Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder is believed to be one of the most difficult mental problems to treat in children due to its disturbing behaviors, including defiance and oppositional behavior and behaviors such as taking advantage of others and lying.
The term "conduct disorder" is described by the DSM-5 as a recurring and consistent pattern of behavior where other people's basic rights or social norms and rules that are appropriate for an age group are not respected. It is manifested by the presence of at least three of the following criteria within the last 12 months in each of the classifications listed below and at least one criteria being that has been present for the previous six months:
Aggression towards animals and people:
Sometimes, one bully threatens or intimidates other people.
Sometimes, fights with physical force are initiated.
Has been a victim of a weapon that could cause physical injury to another (e.g., brick, bat or broken knife, bottle or gun
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