Disruptive Behavior Checklist

Disruptive behavior can be the result of an underlying problem like depression, bipolar disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Behavioral disorders disrupt the flow of work and education in professional and academic settings and complicate the daily lives of those surrounding the disruptive individual.

Aggression

• When a person with a disruptive behavior disorder becomes angry, he may have a hard time suppressing his feelings and act out in destructive ways. If he hits walls, throws things or yells at people, he could have depression or bipolar disorder.

Mood Swings

• This is most common in bipolar disorder, but is also a symptom of other disruptive behavior disorders. You will notice your friend or colleague is happy one day and sad or angry the next. Mood changes happen without a big change in circumstances like a death or a breakup.

Shows Temper in Public

• A person with a behavioral disorder will act inappropriately in public when something does not go his way. If she doesn't get exactly what she orders in a restaurant or someone cuts in front of her in a line, she will make a scene without regard to the embarrassment of those around her.

Disrespectful or Inconsiderate of Others

• Disrespect toward others comes in the form of swearing at someone, embarrassing him in front of others, not giving him personal space, blatantly opposing someone's views or talking bad about him behind his back. Try to act calmly in the situation to help it pass over without any more hurt feelings.

Low Levels of Communication

• An individual with disruptive behavior will often not take the time to communicate well and will expect others to understand without proper explanation. This causes frustration, anger and even less productive communication.