Allergic Ashtma
Behavioral Disorders in Children
Every child has their unique patterns of growth and maturity which makes it difficult to set a standard which can be called as "normal" growth and development. All kids misbehave sometimes and have temporary behaviour problems due to stress like birth of a sibling, divorce or death in the family to name a few.
Behaviour disorders are more serious and long standing. Let's say they involve a pattern of hostile, aggressive, or disruptive behaviours inappropriate for the child's age for more than 6 months.
Acts to look out for include:
- Harming self or threatening other people or pets
- Damaging or destroying things
- Lying or stealing
- Falling performances at school, skipping school
- Early smoking, drinking or drug use
- Early sexual activity
- Frequent tantrums and arguments
- Consistent hostility towards authority figures
CAUSES :
Internal physical or biological factors include genetics, chemical imbalances in the body, and damage to the central nervous system, such as a head injury.
Environmental factors include exposure to violence, extreme stress, or loss of loved one.
Combination of the two.
Some commonly acknowledged disorders of childhood are:
Anxiety Disorders
Young people, who experience excessive fear, worry, or uneasiness may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are among the most common of childhood disorders. These disorders include:
- Phobias, which are unrealistic and overwhelming fears of objects or situations.
- Generalized anxiety disorder, where children show a pattern of excessive, unrealistic worry that cannot be attributed to any recent experience.
- Panic disorder - panic attacks with rapid heartbeat and dizziness.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder - flashbacks and other symptoms in children who have experienced a psychologically distressing event, such as abuse, being a victim or witness of violence, or exposure to other types of trauma such as wars or natural disasters.
Depression
Many people once believed that severe depression did not occur in childhood. Studies show that two of every 100 children may have major depression.
Child exhibits change at the following levels:
- Emotions - Children often feel sad, cry, or feel worthless.
- Motivation - Children lose interest in play activities, or schoolwork declines.
- Physical well-being - Children may experience changes in appetite or sleeping patterns and may have vague physical complaints.
- Thoughts - Children believe they are ugly, unable to do anything right, or that the world or life is hopeless.
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Children and adolescents who demonstrate exaggerated mood swings that range from extreme highs, excited or manic phases, to extreme lows, depression, may have bipolar mood disorder, also called manic depression. Periods of moderate mood occur in between the extreme highs and lows.
Autistic Disorder
Children with autism have problems interacting and communicating with others. Signs of autism can be picked up by the 3rd birthday. Children appear to act inappropriately and often show repeated behaviours over long periods of time.
Symptoms of autism range from mild to severe. Children with autism may have a very limited awareness of others and are at increased risk for other mental disorders. Studies suggest that autism affects 10 to 12 of every 10,000 children. When the hostile behaviour persists and becomes trouble creator at home or school or with other kids in the neighbourhood, the child is said to be having a disruptive behaviour disorder.
Disruptive behaviour disorders are of two types:
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) :
A child who has a lot of temper tantrums, is disobedient or argues with adults or friends persistently may have Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
