Everything You Need To Know About Behaviour Disorders In Children

Behaviour disorder is a highly expansive term that describes every unusual pattern of behaviour. While some of these disorders are acute and closely related to mental ailments, others are mild, appear insignificant, and unfortunately are overlooked by most people.

Behaviour disorder in children is a highly disruptive condition that could significantly harm their physical, social, moral, and academic development. It is a prime parenting challenge, leaving a ripple effect in the lives of many young children. If not promptly diagnosed and properly managed. This article looks at all you need about behaviour disorders in children: common causes, diagnosis, and management.

What Is Behaviour Disorder In Children?

Behaviour disorders are a pattern of disruptive behaviours in childcare that lasts for six months or longer. It is a major cause of problems in school, home, and other social settings. Due to their early stages of personality development, children with behavioural disorders are more likely to develop personality disorders for the rest of their lives if not managed properly.

Common Behaviour Disorders In Children:

Behaviour disorders that are prevalent amongst children include:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: commonly referred to by its acronym ‘ADHD’, is one of the most common behaviour disorders children face. It is characterised by attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: this is. Characterised by poor communication and social interaction skills, persistent, repetitive behaviours, a noticeable learning disability, speech delay, and in some cases, self-harm. Autism is one of the leading causes of self-and peer discrimination among children.
• Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is a child’s behaviour problem with disturbing symptoms like mood swings, loss of touch with reality, a corresponding loss of interest in otherwise interesting activities, and unstable energy levels.
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): this disorder is equally exclusively endemic to children with roots in genetic and environmental factors. The major symptoms of this disorder are disobedience, irritability, and defiance.
• Learning & Language Disorder: previously known as receptive – expressive language disorder, learning disorder is a highly prevalent one today. Learning and language disorder makes it difficult for a child to understand others and properly articulate him or herself.
• Depression & Anxiety: at that stage of development, it’s not uncommon for children to exhibit traits of anxiety and depression. However, this could become recurrent and experienced unprovoked. Some symptoms include constant outbursts, fatigue, poor food and sleep habits.

Causes Of Behaviour Disorders In Children:

Behaviour disorders in children are either caused by internal or external factors:

• Internal Factors: Genetics, difficult pregnancy, and premature birth are common internal factors.
• External Factors: social interaction and parenting style are two major external sources of these disorders.

Diagnosis Of Behaviour Disorders In Children:

Unlike in adolescents and adults, the diagnosis of behaviour disorders in children is much more complex due to the similarities between behaviour disorders and other day-to-day challenges for children. Nevertheless, it can be easily diagnosed by a mental health or child behaviour expert if it persists over time and is unusual for the child’s age.

Management Of Behaviour Disorders In Children:

The proper management technique will depend on the disorder in question. However, for treatment to be effective, an expert or parents can adopt a multifaceted approach. Some common options include:

• Medication: some medicines have been produced to facilitate mood stability, control impulse, and regulate emotions. You could use these medications to manage behaviour disorders in children. It is often complemented with other management options.
• Cognitive behavioural Therapy: This is carried out by an expert or a trained parent. It is designed to help the child master their thoughts and behaviour better.
• Interpersonal Training & Anger Management: Like social skills, stress management skills, and anger management techniques. It is an effective tool for managing behaviour disorders in children.
• Ward Education: the parent has an integral role to play in the management of this disorder. As a parent, if your child suffers from any of these behaviour disorders, endeavour to get the necessary education for effective management.