"Many children with extensive behavioral problems end up with other diagnoses instead, mainly ADHD or autism," says Anne-Katrin Kantzer, medical expert at the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, in a press release.
Research indicates that 2-4 percent may meet the criteria for a diagnosis, but that only around 0.2-0.4 percent have received a diagnosis.
Defiant disorder has nothing to do with the defiance that children may show at different periods during their development, but involves lasting difficulties with emotion regulation, anger and aggression. Conduct disorder also involves rule-breaking behaviors.
“By the time children and young people are noticed, the problems can often have become very serious,” says Anne-Katrin Kantzer.
