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Children naturally undergo phases of testing boundaries and asserting their independence as they grow and learn about the world around them. This can manifest as occasional temper tantrums, defiance, or testing limits. It’s a normal part of their development as they explore their environment and learn social norms.
However, behavioural disorders are more than just occasional or typical challenging behaviour. They involve persistent and severe patterns of behaviour that significantly disrupt a child’s life, such as academic performance, relationships with peers and family, and overall functioning. These behaviours can be intense, frequent, and resistant to typical parenting or disciplinary strategies.
However, without proper intervention and treatment, behavioural disorders can escalate and worsen over time, leading to more significant challenges in the child’s life. That’s why parents and caregivers need to seek evaluation and support from qualified mental health professionals if they suspect that a child’s behaviour may be indicative of a behavioural disorder.
It’s normal for young children to sometimes act impulsively or defy instructions; these behaviours are typical for growing up. However, if your child’s behaviour seems unusually extreme or inappropriate for their age, it could be a sign of a behavioural disorder.Â
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines behavioural disorders as involving a pattern of disruptive behaviours in children that persist for at least six months and cause difficulties in school, home, and social settings.
These disorders differ from the occasional challenging behaviours children may exhibit. Almost all children sometimes experience tantrums or display aggression, anger, or defiance. While challenging, these behaviours are considered a normal part of childhood development and often stem from strong emotions that children express.
As a result, healthcare professionals only diagnose a behavioural disorder when the disruptive behaviours are severe, persistent, and deviate significantly from what is expected for the child’s developmental stage.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stands out as one of the prevalent behavioural disorders often associated with childhood, yet it doesn’t necessarily diminish with age. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition impacting approximately 11% of school-aged children, and remarkably, around 75% of individuals continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.
ADHD is defined by levels of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that don’t align with typical development stages.
While children with ADHD can achieve success, untreated ADHD can lead to significant challenges like academic struggles, family tension, depression, relationship difficulties, substance misuse, legal issues, accidental injuries, and employment setbacks. Early detection and appropriate intervention play crucial roles in addressing ADHD effectively.
Predominantly inattentive: As the name implies, individuals with this form of ADHD encounter significant challenges in maintaining focus, completing tasks, and adhering to instructions. According to research, this is more common among girls with ADHD
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type: Children with this variant of ADHD predominantly exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviours, such as fidgeting, interrupting conversations, and struggling to wait their turn. While inattention is typically less pronounced in this type, they may still encounter difficulties focusing on tasks.
Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive type: This is the most prevalent form of ADHD, characterised by both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. This includes difficulty paying attention, impulsiveness, and heightened activity and energy levels.
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD diagnosis typically occurs after the age of 7, as symptoms become more noticeable when children begin school and face challenges adjusting to quieter, more stationary activities.
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is characterised by persistent defiance and disobedience toward authority figures such as parents, caregivers or teachers. While oppositional behaviour is typical during developmental stages, if it escalates to aggression, becomes frequent, and exceeds normal bounds, ODD may be diagnosed.
According to CDC guidelines, ODD typically emerges before the age of 8 but typically not later than around 12. Children with ODD tend to display oppositional or defiant behaviour more frequently around familiar individuals, such as family members, regular caregivers, or teachers.
Symptoms of ODD typically manifest across various environments but may be particularly evident at home or school. ODD affects between 1% to 16% of school-age children and adolescents. While the exact causes remain unknown, many parents observe that their child with ODD displayed greater rigidity and demands compared to their siblings from an early age. Biological, psychological, and social factors likely contribute to the development of ODD.
All children experience anxiety or worry occasionally. However, for some, these anxious thoughts persist. Accompanying these thoughts, a child or teen might feel a strong compulsion to perform specific actions repeatedly. They often can’t explain why but feel these actions are necessary to protect themselves or someone they care about. This cycle of recurring thoughts and behaviours may indicate that a child is dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Obsessive compulsive disorder OCD is an anxiety disorder that impacts approximately 1% to 3% of children and teens. It frequently occurs in those who also have other developmental or behavioural conditions like ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, or eating disorders.Â
A common myth is that OCD is about being extremely neat and orderly. While OCD behaviours can sometimes involve cleaning, they usually involve repeatedly performing specific actions rather than focusing on being organised. Additionally, the nature of obsessions and compulsions can change over time.Â
OCD symptoms usually start gradually, developing over several weeks or months. They can begin at any age, from preschool to adulthood, but there are two common times they first appear: between ages 8 and 12 and during the late teen years to early adulthood.
In rare cases, symptoms might suddenly appear “overnight,” with rapid changes in behaviour, mood, and severe anxiety.
Conduct disorder is characterised by a set of persistent and emotionally charged behaviours displayed by children and adolescents. Children with conduct disorder frequently struggle to respect the rights of others, show empathy, and adhere to societal norms and rules. These youngsters may be labelled delinquent or perceived as “bad” due to their behaviour.
According to Mental Health America, conduct disorder affects 6-16% of boys and 2-9% of girls in the general population. If conduct disorder symptoms appear before age 11, it is more likely to continue into early adulthood.
The anger, aggression, and violence associated with this disorder can significantly disrupt children’s daily lives and impact their academic performance. It may lead to social isolation and increase the risk of harmful behaviours later in life, such as theft or arson. Early treatment is crucial to address this condition effectively.
Various factors contribute to its development, including mental health issues, family dynamics, environmental influences, significant stress or trauma, and genetic risk factors.
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a mental health condition in children and teens that often goes unnoticed and untreated. It involves sudden and intense outbursts of aggression or destructive behaviour far more severe than the situation would normally warrant. Unlike other disorders, IED is specifically marked by impulsive aggression, meaning these violent reactions happen quickly and without much warning. If your child is showing these patterns, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) can appear similar to intense temper tantrums. Children with IEDs might frequently throw objects, get into physical altercations, and display verbally or physically abusive behaviour.Â
These outbursts are often impulsive and disproportionate to the situation, causing significant disruption at home, school, and social settings. If your child exhibits such behaviours, it is important to seek professional help to manage and treat the disorder effectively.
Childhood anxiety disorders are quite common, affecting about 1 in 8 children. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, around 25% of teens between 13 and 18 years old experience anxiety disorders, with about 6% having severe cases. These disorders can significantly disrupt a child’s social, emotional, and academic development, potentially leading to other mental health issues.
It’s normal for children and teens to feel anxious occasionally, like when starting school or moving to a new area. However, if anxiety affects their behaviour and thoughts daily, disrupting their school, home, or social life, it may be time to seek professional help to address it.
Behavioural disorders don’t have a single cause; they likely result from physiological and environmental factors. It’s important to understand that any child, regardless of background, sex, or gender, can develop a behavioural disorder.
Behavioural disorders are more commonly diagnosed in boys than in girls. This disparity is not fully understood and could be due to genetic factors or differences in socialisation experiences. Boys may exhibit behaviours that are more easily recognised as symptoms of behavioural disorders, or they might be socialised in ways that lead to higher rates of diagnosis.
For instance, girls with ODD are more likely to show aggression verbally rather than physically. This can make their behaviour less noticeable and, consequently, less likely to be diagnosed.
Complications during pregnancy and birth, such as difficult pregnancies, premature birth, and low birth weight, have been linked to an increased risk of behavioural disorders in children. These early life challenges can impact a child’s brain development and overall health, potentially leading to behavioural issues later in life.
Research has shown that children with ADHD often have reduced activity in areas of the brain responsible for regulating attention. This neurological difference can make it harder for children to focus, control impulses, and manage their behaviour, contributing to the symptoms of ADHD.
Difficulties with reading and writing are often associated with behavioural problems. Children with learning disabilities are twice as likely to develop behavioural issues because the frustration and challenges they face in academic settings can lead to negative behaviours as they struggle to cope.
Children who experience stress and trauma are at higher risk of developing behavioural issues. These traumas can result from abuse or neglect. Additionally, research indicates that children raised by authoritarian and permissive parents are more prone to aggressive behaviour. Socioeconomic stressors also increase the likelihood of behavioural problems in children.
Behavioural problems are more prevalent in children from dysfunctional homes. Factors such as domestic violence, neglectful parenting, and substance abuse can create unstable and stressful environments for children, contributing to the development of behavioural disorders. Healthy family relationships and a supportive home environment are crucial for a child’s emotional and behavioural well-being.
Behavioural disorders are more commonly diagnosed in boys than in girls. This disparity is not fully understood and could be due to genetic factors or differences in socialisation experiences. Boys may exhibit behaviours that are more easily recognised as symptoms of behavioural disorders, or they might be socialised in ways that lead to higher rates of diagnosis.
For instance, girls with ODD are more likely to show aggression verbally rather than physically. This can make their behaviour less noticeable and, consequently, less likely to be diagnosed.
Complications during pregnancy and birth, such as difficult pregnancies, premature birth, and low birth weight, have been linked to an increased risk of behavioural disorders in children. These early life challenges can impact a child’s brain development and overall health, potentially leading to behavioural issues later in life.
Research has shown that children with ADHD often have reduced activity in areas of the brain responsible for regulating attention. This neurological difference can make it harder for children to focus, control impulses, and manage their behaviour, contributing to the symptoms of ADHD.
Difficulties with reading and writing are often associated with behavioural problems. Children with learning disabilities are twice as likely to develop behavioural issues because the frustration and challenges they face in academic settings can lead to negative behaviours as they struggle to cope.
Children who experience stress and trauma are at higher risk of developing behavioural issues. These traumas can result from abuse or neglect. Additionally, research indicates that children raised by authoritarian and permissive parents are more prone to aggressive behaviour. (10) Socioeconomic stressors also increase the likelihood of behavioural problems in children.
Behavioural problems are more prevalent in children from dysfunctional homes. Factors such as domestic violence, neglectful parenting, and substance abuse can create unstable and stressful environments for children, contributing to the development of behavioural disorders. Healthy family relationships and a supportive home environment are crucial for a child’s emotional and behavioural well-being.
When a child is diagnosed with any of the disorders above, your doctor will collaborate with you to develop the most effective treatment plan for your child. Typically, this will involve multiple forms of treatment concurrently. Since these common disorders often have overlapping symptoms, the treatment options are usually similar and may include the following:
These sessions guide you on effectively addressing, responding to, and managing your children during potential outbursts. This can be especially beneficial for children with oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder, and it may also help children struggling with ADHD.Â
This also involves teaching you how to effectively communicate with and manage your child’s behaviour. You’ll learn techniques that can help create a more positive and structured environment at home.
In family therapy, the whole family works together to improve communication and problem-solving skills. It helps everyone understand each other better and work through conflicts healthier.
CBT helps your child learn to control their thoughts and behaviours. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns and developing healthier ways to respond to challenges.
This type of training teaches your child essential social skills, like conversing or playing cooperatively with other kids. It aims to help them interact more positively with their peers.
In anger management sessions, your child will learn to recognise when they’re frustrated and use calming techniques. They’ll also learn coping skills, relaxation techniques, and stress management techniques to manage their anger and aggressive behaviours.
If your child has additional issues, such as a learning difficulty, professional support can provide targeted help. This might include special educational support to address their specific needs.
Children with behavioural disorders often face many challenges and failures. Encouraging your child to excel in areas where they have talents, such as sports or arts, can boost their self-esteem and provide a sense of achievement.
In some cases, medication can help manage impulsive behaviours. If a child has a coexisting disorder, such as ADHD or a mental health condition, medication can help alleviate the symptoms. However, medications do not cure behavioural disorders.
These sessions guide you on effectively addressing, responding to, and managing your children during potential outbursts. This can be especially beneficial for children with oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder, and it may also help children struggling with ADHD.Â
This also involves teaching you how to effectively communicate with and manage your child’s behaviour. You’ll learn techniques that can help create a more positive and structured environment at home.
In family therapy, the whole family works together to improve communication and problem-solving skills. It helps everyone understand each other better and work through conflicts healthier.
CBT helps your child learn to control their thoughts and behaviours. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns and developing healthier ways to respond to challenges.
This type of training teaches your child essential social skills, like conversing or playing cooperatively with other kids. It aims to help them interact more positively with their peers.
In anger management sessions, your child will learn to recognise when they’re frustrated and use calming techniques. They’ll also learn coping skills, relaxation techniques, and stress management techniques to manage their anger and aggressive behaviours.
If your child has additional issues, such as a learning difficulty, professional support can provide targeted help. This might include special educational support to address their specific needs.
Children with behavioural disorders often face many challenges and failures. Encouraging your child to excel in areas where they have talents, such as sports or arts, can boost their self-esteem and provide a sense of achievement.
In some cases, medication can help manage impulsive behaviours. If a child has a coexisting disorder, such as ADHD or a mental health condition, medication can help alleviate the symptoms. However, medications do not cure behavioural disorders.
The cause of behavioural disorders remains unclear, but various theories suggest that a combination of learned behaviours, developmental factors, environmental influences, and genetic factors may contribute to their development. Children with a family history of substance use disorders, personality disorders, or mood disorders are at a heightened risk of developing behavioural disorders.
Individual therapy and family therapy are both valuable tools in managing behavioural disorders. In individual therapy, children or teens work one-on-one with a therapist to address their specific challenges and learn coping strategies.Â
On the other hand, family therapy involves sessions with the entire family, where everyone works together to improve communication and problem-solving skills. It provides a safe space for family members to express their feelings, understand each other’s perspectives, and learn new ways of interacting.Â
Family therapy can help identify underlying issues within the family dynamic that may contribute to the child’s behaviour. It empowers parents and children to work together towards positive changes. Overall, both types of therapy offer support and guidance in managing behavioural disorders by addressing the root causes and promoting healthier family relationships.
Behaviour disorders may be diagnosed when children frequently argue, display aggression, or exhibit anger and defiance towards adults, behaviours that are typically uncommon for their age. These disruptive behaviours persist over time or are particularly severe, warranting professional attention. Due to their nature of acting out and displaying unwanted behaviour towards others, these disorders are often referred to as externalising disorders.
Implementing effective behaviour management strategies at home can help both parents and children navigate behavioural challenges more successfully. Key tactics include establishing consistent routines, communicating clear rules, enforcing boundaries, and using positive reinforcement to reinforce desired behaviours.
While occasional misbehaviour is typical, persistent disruptive behaviour patterns that cause distress or impair functioning warrant professional intervention. Seeking assistance early can lead to improved outcomes and minimise disruptions in the child’s life.
It is normal for a 2-year-old to exhibit signs of behavioural disorders. While some challenging behaviours are typical for toddlers as they navigate newfound independence and emotions, persistent and extreme behaviours that interfere with daily life may indicate a behavioural disorder.Â
These disorders can manifest in various ways, such as excessive tantrums, aggression, defiance, or difficulty with social interactions. Parents with concerns about their child’s behaviour must seek guidance from healthcare professionals to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate support. Early intervention is crucial in addressing behavioural disorders and promoting healthy development.
1. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Oppositional Defiant Disorder Oppositional Defiant Disorder
2. Behavioural disorders in children. (2012) Behavioural disorders in children – Better Health Channel
3. Boston Children’s Hospital: Disruptive Behavior Disorder Disruptive Behavior Disorders | Boston Children’s Hospital
4. Bushra Khan et al., Psych J. 2020 Oct.: Behavioral problems in preadolescence: Does gender matter? Behavioral problems in preadolescence: Does gender matter?
5. Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Behaviour or Conduct Problems Behavior or Conduct Problems in Children | CDC
6. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). About ADHD – symptoms, causes and treatment. About ADHD – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment – CHADD
7. Department of Health and Human Services: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
8. Grillo, E. and da Silva, R.J., 2004. Early manifestations of behavioural disorders in children and adolescents. Jornal de Pediatria, 80, pp.21-27. Early manifestations of behavioral disorders in children and adolescents
9. Healthy Children: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Children and Teens. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Children and Teens – HealthyChildren.org
10. Hosokawa, R. and Katsura, T., 2019. The role of parenting style in children’s behavioural problems during the transition from preschool to elementary school according to gender in Japan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(1), p.21. Role of Parenting Style in Children’s Behavioral Problems through the Transition from Preschool to Elementary School According to Gender in Japan
11. MedlinePlus: Child Behavior Disorders Child Behavior Disorders: MedlinePlus
12. Mental Health America: Conduct Disorder Conduct Disorder | Mental Health America
13. McLaughlin, K.A., Green, J.G., Hwang, I., Sampson, N.A., Zaslavsky, A.M. and Kessler, R.C., 2012. Intermittent explosive disorder in the national comorbidity survey replication adolescent supplement. Archives of general psychiatry, 69(11), pp.1131-1139. Intermittent Explosive Disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement | Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
14. National Institute of Health l: Anxiety in children Introduction – Anxiety in Children – NCBI Bookshelf
15. NHS: Anxiety Disorders in Children https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/anxiety-disorders-in-children/
16. Signs and symptoms of pediatric OCD. (n.d.). Signs & Symptoms of Pediatric OCD
17. WebMD: Types of Behavioral Problems in Children Types of Behavioral Problems in Children
18. Young, S., et al., 2020. Females with ADHD: An expert consensus statement taking a lifespan approach guiding the identification and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in girls and women. BMC Psychiatry, 20, pp.1-27. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12888-020-02707-9
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