Read the case and answer the questions that follow.
Malay, a student of class IX, was referred to a mental health clinic with complaints of stealing money, excessive lying, setting fire to household items, teasing young girls of the locality, and passing lewd remarks and making obscene gestures. The onset was about three years ago and has increased over the past eight months. Of late, he has started using alcohol and spending more time outdoors with friends of similar interest. School reports suggested gradual development of inappropriate behaviours such as openly defying rules in school, playing truant, instigating fellow students to pass silly remarks in class, disrespectful attitude towards elders ultimately resulting in frequent school absenteeism, mixing with local goons and excessive aggression. Further investigation revealed that family history is disturbed, relationship with father was extremely hostile and there were frequent conflicts amongst the family members. Birth and developmental milestones are normal.
1. Identify the disorder Malay is exhibiting. Distinguish it from Attention – Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
2. The symptoms that Malay is exhibiting are different from the symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Justify this statement.
3. How would the socio-cultural model help us to understand Malay’s disorder?
