Common behavior disorders in children

Conduct disorders are much more than just temper tantrums or challenging behaviors in children. When you have a diagnosable conduct disorder, you experience conduct problems that are severe enough to interfere with school performance or relationships with friends and family. Conduct disorders can get worse over time if not treated correctly, so it is important to have your child evaluated by a qualified mental health professional if you suspect a conduct disorder. There are several different types of conduct disorder in children and adolescents, and sometimes they may have more than one.

TDAH

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common childhood disorders. There are three main types of ADHD; predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, predominantly inattentive, and combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive.

Common symptoms of ADHD are:

• • Difficult to focus

• • Problems processing information accurately

• • Disorganization

• • Difficulty following directions

• • To talk a lot

• • Little ability to stay still

• • Problems participating in quiet activities

• • Impatience

• • Inappropriate comments

• Impulsiveness in actions without thinking about the consequences

Medication can sometimes be helpful in reducing symptoms, but ideally, interventions are designed to reduce behavioral problems associated with hyperactivity and impulsivity. Sometimes children with ADHD also have oppositional defiant disorder

OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER

Oppositional defiant disorder is characterized by persistent defiance and disobedience toward authority figures. Symptoms can include:

• • Frequent discussion with adults

• • Deliberately annoying others

• • Not wanting to follow the rules

• • Blaming others for one’s mistakes

• • Get angry easily

• Behaving in a vengeful manner

Children with oppositional defiant disorder show symptoms at home, at school, and in other settings as well. Their behavior generally leads to the need for frequent disciplinary action and they often have trouble getting along with peers.

CONDUCT DISORDER

Conduct disorder involves a repetitive pattern of violation of the rights of other people or persistent violation of age-appropriate social rules. Conduct disorder often includes:

• • Physical aggression towards people or animals

• • Use of weapons

• • Steal

• • Forcing someone to have sex

• • Vandalism

• • To lie

• • Run away from home

• • Truancy

• Failure to comply with the curfew

Children with conduct disorders are frequently expelled from school.  They may require police intervention and sometimes abuse drugs or alcohol. Adolescents with conduct disorder may require intensive interventions, such as home supports or even placement in specialized centers.

TREATMENTS FOR BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS

Conduct disorders are generally best treated with a full team of professionals. Child psychiatrists can be helpful if medications are needed. Therapists can help children learn new skills for managing their emotions and behavior, as well as providing training for parents.

Sometimes special education services may also be necessary. Children with conduct and emotional disorders may require a lot of additional support in school, including specialized classrooms. Sometimes psychologists can run tests to rule out learning disabilities or other underlying mental health problems that may be contributing to the behavior problems. It is necessary to know what the root of the problem is to be able to properly care for children and that with adequate treatment or therapy, you can improve not only in behavior, but also in mental and emotional health .

Conduct disorders can be the result of a variety of genetic and environmental factors. If you think your child may have a conduct disorder , it is important to speak with the pediatrician as soon as possible. This professional can provide an assessment and find out what types of professionals should treat you