Definition & purpose of the label

Use “Other Specified” when the clinician wants to record that a disruptive/impulse‑control/conduct problem is present and to specify the exact presentation (e.g., “conduct symptoms with limited duration”, “subthreshold age of onset”). This increases diagnostic clarity and helps guide tailored treatment and services.

Common presentations that fit “Other Specified”

• Conduct‑type behaviours emerging for a short duration after a traumatic event (subthreshold duration for Conduct Disorder).
• Aggression predominantly occurring in context of a neurodevelopmental disorder where criteria for Intermittent Explosive Disorder are not fully met but substantial impairment exists.
• Oppositional behaviours with significant functional impact but insufficient frequency/intensity to meet Oppositional Defiant Disorder criteria.
• Subthreshold age of onset or atypical symptom pattern that warrants clinical attention but does not fit a named diagnosis.

Assessment approach

1. Specify the atypical feature clearly in the record (e.g., ‘other specified — conduct symptoms, duration 2 weeks’).
2. Gather comprehensive collateral: parents, teachers, juvenile justice, social services and prior records.
3. Assess for comorbid neurodevelopmental (ADHD, ASD), mood, trauma‑related disorders and substance use.
4. Evaluate the risk of harm to self/others, access to weapons, and legal implications; construct a safety plan when required.

Management strategies

• Individualised treatment targeting the specified problem — e.g., short‑term trauma‑informed therapy if symptoms are reactive to recent trauma.
• Family interventions and parenting programmes (PCIT, parent management training) to address oppositional or conduct‑like behaviours.
• School‑based supports: behaviour plans, reintegration strategies and liaison with educational services.
• Pharmacological treatment for comorbid or target symptoms (ADHD medications, SSRIs for mood/anxiety, antipsychotics short‑term for severe aggression) with clear monitoring and exit strategy.
• Legal and social service navigation where offending behaviour, safety concerns or child protection issues exist.

Documentation example

“Other specified disruptive, impulse‑control and conduct disorder — presentation: conduct‑type behaviours with short duration (2 weeks) following exposure to community violence; provisional diagnosis pending follow‑up and trauma assessment.”

When to refer

• Persistent or escalating aggression, harm to others, or legal involvement — refer to CAMHS/forensic services.
• Complex comorbidity (ASD, ADHD, PTSD) needing multidisciplinary input — refer to specialist child psychiatry.
• Family or social circumstances limiting capacity for home‑based interventions — consider social work or child protection involvement.

Key takeaways

• “Other specified” allows clinicians to capture atypical but impairing disruptive behaviour with a clear rationale documented.
• Treatment is individualised, often focusing on family, school and trauma‑informed approaches, with targeted medication when indicated.
• Escalate to specialist or legal services if safety, persistence or complexity warrant it.