Behaviour problems
Overview
Behaviour problems, often seen in children and adolescents, involve patterns of hostile, aggressive, or disruptive behaviours that last for at least six months and cause problems in school, at home, and in social situations. These behaviours often go beyond what's typically expected for their age group.
Key Features
Behavioral problems encompass a wide range of issues that can affect individuals across various age groups and contexts. These problems may manifest in different ways and can be influenced by biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Some known behavioural problems include:
Disruptive Behavior Disorders: These disorders involve persistent patterns of behavior that violate societal norms or the rights of others. Examples include:
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): Characterised by defiance, hostility, and refusal to comply with authority figures' requests.
Conduct Disorder (CD): Involves more severe antisocial behaviors, such as aggression, rule violation, deceitfulness, and disregard for others' rights.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD is characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning and development. Individuals may have difficulty sustaining attention, organising tasks, or controlling impulses.
Anxiety Disorders: While anxiety primarily involves emotional symptoms, it can also manifest as behavioral problems, especially in children and adolescents. Examples include:
Separation Anxiety Disorder: Excessive fear or anxiety about separation from attachment figures, leading to avoidance of separation or distress when separated.
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Fear or avoidance of social situations due to concerns about negative evaluation or embarrassment.
Mood Disorders: Mood disturbances can impact behavior, particularly during episodes of depression or mania. Symptoms may include irritability, agitation, withdrawal, or reckless behavior.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): ASD is characterised by difficulties in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Behavioral problems associated with ASD may include communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, and difficulties with transitions or changes in routine.
Impulse Control Disorders: These disorders involve difficulty resisting urges or impulses that may be harmful to oneself or others. Examples include:
Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Recurrent episodes of impulsive aggression, leading to verbal or physical outbursts.
Kleptomania: Recurrent failure to resist urges to steal items that are not needed for personal use or monetary gain.
Eating Disorders: Behavioral problems related to eating disorders may include restrictive eating, binge eating, purging behaviors, or excessive exercise.
Substance Use Disorders: Behavioral problems associated with substance use disorders include compulsive drug-seeking behaviors, impaired judgment, risky behaviors, and relationship difficulties.
Self-Injurious Behaviors: These behaviors involve deliberate harm to oneself, such as cutting, burning, or hitting, often as a way to cope with emotional distress or to communicate distress.
Behavioral Problems in Older Adults: In older adults, behavioral problems may include agitation, aggression, wandering, or other disruptive behaviors associated with dementia, delirium, or other cognitive impairments.
How We Can Help
Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and modifying maladaptive behaviors through techniques such as:
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): A structured approach to behavior modification commonly used with children and individuals with developmental disabilities. ABA focuses on shaping desired behaviors through positive reinforcement and systematic interventions.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals recognise and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to their problems. It teaches coping skills, problem-solving strategies, and techniques for managing emotions and impulses.
Parent Training and Family Therapy: For children and adolescents with behavioral problems, involving parents and family members in therapy can be beneficial. Psychologists provide parent training to teach effective discipline techniques, communication skills, and strategies for managing challenging behaviors. Family therapy addresses relationship dynamics and promotes supportive family environments.
Social Skills Training: Individuals with behavioral problems may struggle with interpersonal interactions and social relationships. Psychologists teach social skills and communication strategies to help individuals develop more effective social behaviors, such as active listening, assertiveness, and conflict resolution.
Anger Management and Emotion Regulation: Psychologists help individuals learn techniques for managing anger, frustration, and other intense emotions in constructive ways. This may involve relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and cognitive restructuring to challenge distorted thinking patterns.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA): Psychologists conduct FBAs to identify the antecedents, behaviors, and consequences contributing to problematic behaviors. This helps develop targeted interventions to address the underlying function or purpose of the behavior.
If your child is struggling with behavioural problems, reach out to us today. Our team of psychologists are experienced in working with children and adolescents and are ready to provide the support you and your child need. Together, we can create a society where everyone has the opportunit to thrive and receive the support needed to overcome behavioural challenges.