Behavioral Disorders in Children, Teens and Adults

Understanding Behavioral Problems

Behavior problems is a broad term for conditions having to do with the symptomatic expression of emotion or adjustment to coping with difficult relationships, especially in children. If left untreated, behavioral issues may persist and negatively affect adulthood.

Children and adolescents may occasionally show defiant behavior towards adults and authority figures, but when the behavior continues or is severe, behavioral issues may be considered. Behavior problems that involve acting out  may be referred to as externalizing disorders because of their outward disruptiveness.

Children, teens and adults who have a difficult time controlling their behaviors or emotional outbursts may suffer from one or more of the behavioral disorders listed below.

Types of Behavioral Issues

Not all behavioral issues are the same, and not all behaviors present identically from person to person. While some behaviors may be disruptive and argumentative, others may be hyperactive and passive. The following all fall under the category of behavioral disorders:

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Oppositional defiant disorder is a behavioral disorder that causes defiant, uncooperative and rebellious behavior towards authority and others. Commonly diagnosed in childhood, ODD can cause displayed aggression or hostility to those around them (peers, parents, teachers).

A person with oppositional defiant disorder may have certain triggers, or none that are apparent. Symptoms of ODD are often demonstrated before eight years of age and can include constant irritability and explosiveness or vindictive behavior that lasts for extended periods of time. Treatment often requires individual therapy as well as family therapy with a mental health professional.

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a broader term for a group of behavioral issues that present as a disregard for others. A person suffering from conduct disorder typically has a difficult time following rules, listening to instructions or respecting their surrounding environment and peers. They are often hostile and irritable, and they may resort to physically violent behavior if their needs are not being met.

Conduct disorder is often diagnosed in males with common risk factors for behavioral issues. They may suffer from one or more mental health disorders and require behavioral therapy and treatment for child behavior problems.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Described as an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that interferes with development, ADHD does not look the same for every person and could go undiagnosed depending on the symptoms and personality traits. Depending on the person, hostility and disruptive behavior may be a common symptom for ADHD accompanied by impulsivity and lack of awareness for others.

Treatment options for ADHD are abundant, especially if it is the only present behavioral disorder. Behavioral therapy and medication are widely considered treatment options for all ages – children, teens and adults.

How to Recognize Behavioral Problems

Behavioral issues are often very apparent due to the external nature of the symptoms. Symptoms of behavioral disorders may vary from person to person based on their specific disorder as well as their personality traits, and there is a spectrum of severity. The following are the most common symptoms:

  • Recurring temper tantrums
  • Poor social skills or isolation
  • Drastic mood swings or emotional outbursts
  • Feeling or appearing angry
  • Feeling or appearing sad
  • Blaming others for poor behavior
  • Irritability
  • Argumentative (especially with adults or authority figures)
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty problem-solving
  • Aggressive behavior or violent behavior

As with other types of mental health issues, there may or may not be an apparent cause of the behavior. The following are common causes of behavioral issues in a child showing intense behavioral responses:

  • Comorbid mental health conditions
  • Witnessing parents or authority suffer from addiction
  • Dysfunctional home life
  • Divorce
  • History of experiencing traumatic events
  • Abuse or neglect
  • Family history of mental illness

A child who is not getting their needs met may resort to aggressiveness and disruptive behavior to try to get their needs met. The above risk factors often lead to a child experiencing trauma and not knowing how to deal with it on their own.

Treatment

Treatment for child behavioral problems and solutions depends on many factors, including prior diagnoses (if any). Treatment requires appropriate assessment of risk factors first since that will likely determine the most effective approach.

Therapy

Therapy can be a helpful tool to diagnose and offer treatment for behavioral disorders, but not all therapeutic approaches are the same. Depending on a person’s diagnosis and personal needs, the following may be used:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – Talk therapy focused on changing negative thoughts and behaviors caused by psychological distress
  • Anger management – Focuses on healthy coping mechanisms and emotional outlets to minimize outbursts
  • Applied behavioral analysis – A form of child behavioral therapy, this method helps children learn social skills by encouraging positive behaviors
  • Psychotherapy – General therapy for children with behavioral disorders
  • Family therapy – Psychotherapeutic counseling with loved ones to efficiently communicate and resolve conflicts

Child behavior management is different than that of an adult’s, which is why a mental health professional may tailor these or other forms of treatment to their needs. Behavioral problems in children are dealt with in ways that young children can better understand.. Older children may be able to express themselves more easily in a therapeutic setting.

A therapist can demonstrate reinforcement for positive behavior in a neutral environment.

Support Groups

There are many different kinds of support groups and joining one can have many benefits. Support groups can be a comforting space for those who feel alone in their struggles with behavioral disorders.

Being able to connect with others over a shared behavior or issue can help to lessen the burden and shame. Parents who are struggling with children who have behavioral issues or dealing with it themselves have opportunities to understand their triggers and the reasons for their actions.

Medication

For some, a proper treatment plan may require taking medication. Medications can help treatment progression alongside therapy. Speak to a primary care provider about options for children’s medication.

Lifestyle Changes

Implementing healthy habits can be the first step toward a fulfilling life experience for anyone. Although it may require discipline, there are easy, risk-free ways to lessen mental stress and emotional reactivity. Try creating and sticking to a daily routine (whether for your child or yourself) and minimizing excess stimuli when you need to focus. Keep yourself or your child active, it may help release any pent-up energy.