Mr and Mrs

Multiple Choice

Mr. and Mrs. Mallner are confused about their son's behavior and contacted the social worker to see if he needs "further tests or something to find out if there's something seriously wrong with our son." Fifteen year-old Rick is described with a history of episodic and violent behavior that is out of proportion to the situation. It is during these "episodes" that he will become extremely angry to the point of destroying things or punching holes in the wall or doors) . There seems to be no precipitant and "after about half an hour he's back to his old self," adds Mr. Mallner. What is the most likely diagnosis to consider for Rick?

A) Oppositional defiant disorder
B) Conduct disorder
C) Intermittent explosive disorder
D) Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder