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Recently we’ve been hearing more and more reports about behavioral issues with children and youths. Is there an uprising in quantity and communality, or is there more awareness to these phenomena?
In truth, it does not matter. What is clear is that there is an ongoing growth in the numbers of children who are diagnosed with different behavioral disorders. This growth requires parents to acknowledge the phenomena, so they can tell whether a child or teenager is “difficult” or rather has a behavioral disorder that needs to be addressed with a specific treatment.
When addressing a behavioral disorder, it’s important to register the symptoms of the disorder to define it correctly. There are several diagnoses for behavioral disorders with children, and each demands different treatment. The disorders can be divided into three categories: Behavioral disorders, emotional disorders, and developmental disorders. In this essay we will focus on the first and second types of disorders, and we will give examples for several of the common behavioral and emotional problems seen in children and teenagers. With that in mind, we mustn’t forget that different developmental problems may appear and it’s important to eliminate Autism and other developmental delays as part of the initial intake.
Behavioral disorders are an inclusive title for many diagnoses of various degrees of severity, that include the most common childhood emotional disorders. Amongst them is Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (commonly known as ADHD), Conduct Disorder (CD), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Many times, even the most experienced professionals can mix between the latter two disorders, so let’s try to differentiate between them:
Conduct Disorder – CD, is a severe disorder, that expresses in an ongoing severe behavioral issues. Among the symptoms are violence expressed towards people or animals, aggressive behavior, physical or sexual assault, threatening the surroundings, theft, damage etc. A child with CD is usually described as “cold” and emotionless and/or doesn’t react to or even register other people’s emotions.
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), is expressed by a deep defiance to authority. Children who suffer from ODD have “a short fuse”, they are characterized by a tendency to throw tantrums towards authority figures, are argumentative and refuse to follow orders. Many of these children feel revengeful and vindictive, usually aimed towards the authority figures. It’s important to point out that most children tend to behave this way at some point of their lives. ODD will be diagnosed in cases that are extreme, out of control, more intense and at a higher frequency in comparison to other children and teens. One of the criteria of ODD is are symptoms that have gone on for at least six months.
Emotional issues with children are a common phenomenon and include a broad range of emotional states experienced by the child. Throughout life every child will come across emotional hurdles and have to deal with new situations. Moreover, it is natural for children to experience fears and feelings of distress. Most fears will pass as the children mature, but some intensify and become phobias. These should be treated early on, before they cause longlasting damage.
One of the most common disorders in children is the Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD). Children with this disorder usually behave as though they are just experiencing ”typical” adolescence, but in extremity. The symptoms of the disorder include ongoing violent tantrums, shouting and vandalization. The symptoms occur several times a week and are inappropriate for the child’s age or for the situation. The tantrums are recurring, with no lulls or periods of calmness in between. The disruption occurs in the child’s regulation of emotions and it’s important to be attentive and aware of the symptoms. In case of an irregularity in the child’s behavior, please consider approaching the child’s pediatrician or a mental health expert, who will assist with diagnosis and treatment.
Another common emotional disorder relates to low frustration thresholds. Children often face new tasks and situations (walking, talking, reading etc.). A low frustration threshold or the inability to endure failures or regressions can affect the child’s feeling of capability and self-esteem, often harming their social development and connections.
Emotional issues and problems can turn into emotional disorders if they are not treated in time. Furthermore, recognizing a child’s emotional issues is crucial in preventing deterioration and creating future difficulties.
The diagnosis of behavioral and emotional disorders in children is done by a professional team at Child Development centers, through mental health specialists or in private clinics. A referral is given through the pediatrician. For a list of Leumit’s Child Development Centers – please click here. You will be asked to fill out preliminary questionnaires for parents/guardians and teachers (if relevant). A date for an assessment will be set, and the parents/guardians will be given further instructions.
At the end of the assessment process, the staff will offer a summary which includes a diagnosis and recommended treatment plan. The treatments offered for behavioral and emotional issues and disorders are varied, often a combination of several therapies will be recommended. Furthermore, parental guidance or family therapy may be suggested, specifically adapted to the needs that arose.
According to the type of disorder diagnosed, and taking into consideration the preferences of the parents/guardians and the child themselves, a treatment package will be tailored. The treatment might focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – a short term treatment which targets helping the child change patterns of problematic thoughts and behaviors. Another option is offering the child a long-term psychodynamic treatment, which will include play and talk sessions, aimed at exposing deep and complex emotional situations, bringing them to the surface to allow for healing or improvement. situation. Moreover, group therapy might be suggested, allowing the child to cope in different social situations.
