19:44 | oaKE/s@ Bull CS 45 2 healthline.conm/health/problem-behav @ A healthline Ag Problem Behavior MBA — By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA — Medically reviewed by George Krucik, MD, 3 Updated on November 1, 2019 Symptoms | Causes | Risks When to Seek Help | Diagnosis | Treatment What Does Problem Behavior Mean? Problem behaviors are those that aren’t considered typically acceptable. Nearly everyone can have a moment of disruptive behavior or an error in judgment. However, problem behavior is a consistent pattern. Problem behaviors can vary in terms of severity. They can occur in children as well as in adults. People with problem behaviors often require medical intervention to improve their symptoms. a A Q @ i19:44 | 00Ke/s Bull Co 45. =H a healthli ime Riera symptoms. What Are the Symptoms of Problem Behavior? Problem behavior can have many symptoms, including but not limited to: * abuse of alcohol or drugs * agitation * angry, defiant behaviors * carelessness ¢ disinterest or withdrawal from daily life ¢ drug use * emotional flatness * excessive, disruptive talking * hoarding useless objects * inappropriate behavior « inflated self-esteem or overconfidence * obsessive thoughts * poor judgment * property damage « self-injuryBull Co +5 healthline eee Problem behavior can range from the absence of emotions to aggressive emotions. According to the Merck Manual, behavior problems often show themselves in different ways among girls and boys. For example, boys with problem behavior may fight, steal, or deface property. Girls with problem behavior may lie or run away from home. Both are at greater risk for drug and alcohol abuse. What Causes Problem Behavior? There are multiple causes associated with problem behavior. A psychiatric, mental health, or medical professional should evaluate a person with problem behavior to determine the cause. Causes of problem behavior can be a life event or family situation. A person might have a family conflict, struggle with poverty, feel anxious, or have had a death in the family. Aging can also lead to dementia, which affects a person’s behavior. Common conditions related to problem = oO19:44 | 24KB/s Bol Co 45: Q PCS ULC een behavior include, but aren’t limited to: * anxiety disorder * attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) » bipolar disorder * conduct disorder « delirium * dementia ° depression * obsessive-compulsive disorder * oppositional defiant disorder * postpartum depression © post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) * psychosis * schizophrenia « substance abuse What Are the Risk Factors for Problem Behavior? People with chronic and mental health conditions are at greater risk for problem behavior than those who don’t have these19:44 | o4 3 Biull =H a healthli me Ried conditions. Some problem behaviors have a genetic link. According to the Merck Manual, parents with the following problem behaviors are more likely to have children with problem behavior concerns: * anti-social disorder * ADHD * mood disorder « schizophrenia * substance abuse However, people with problem behavior may also come from families with little history of problem behavior. When Do | Seek Medical Help for Problem Behavior? Problem behavior can be a medical emergency when the behavior includes the following: * contemplating suicide * hallucinations or hearing voices « harming oneself or others = cBul Co +5 healthline eects ¢ threats of violence Make an appointment with your doctor if you or a loved one experience the following symptoms: * behavior that affects the ability to function in relationships with others, in the workplace, or at school ¢ criminal behavior « cruelty to animals * engaging in intimidating, bullying, or impulsive behaviors * excessive feelings of isolation « low interest in school or work * social withdrawal People with problem behavior may feel different from others, like they don't fit in. Some may have emotions they don’t understand or can’t identify. This can lead to frustration and more problem behavior. How Is Problem Behavior Diagnosed? A doctor or mental health snecialist can = c19:44 | sakes O Bs tall C45 healthline eee A doctor or mental health specialist can evaluate problem behaviors. They'll likely start by taking a health history and listening to a description of an adult or child’s symptoms. Some questions a doctor may ask include: * When did this behavior start? * How long does the behavior last? * How has the behavior affected those around the person? * Has the person recently experienced any life changes or transitions that could trigger the behavior? Doctors can use this information to pinpoint the behavior’s possible cause and diagnosis. How Is Problem Behavior Treated? Doctors treat problem behavior by diagnosing its causes. People who are at risk for harming themselves may require an inpatient stay at a hospital for their personal safety. Additional treatments for problem behavior can include:19:45 | +eKE/s O Boal C45 2% healthline.conm/health/problem-behav GQ A Pre UL) LU aeienc hospital for their personal safety. Additional treatments for problem behavior can include: * conflict resolution classes * counseling © group therapy * medications * parenting skills classes Last medically reviewed on May 7, 2015 How we reviewed this article: @ sources = this article =a fv Aanressive Rehavior: a Q Q @ 321.05 | ooKe/s BB Sut Co 20: be = AAMIEY naug hty, defiant and impulsive from time to time, which is perfectly normal. However, some children have extremely difficult and challenging behaviours that are outside the norm for their age. These problems can result from temporary stressors in the child’s life, or they might represent more enduring disorders. The most common disruptive behaviour disorders include oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Boys are more likely than girls to suffer from behavioural disorders. tll a21:05 | ooKE/s & BB wut Co 205 pedia Treatment options include parent management training, cognitive behaviour therapy, medication and treatment for associated problems." Mental health and Emotional Disorders Mental health disorders (MHD) are very common in childhood. They include emotional - obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD), \ anxiety, M depression, ODD, CD, ADHD)or developmental (speech/language delay, intellectual disability) disorders or autistic spectrum! disorders!7!, semen Ematianal and haharioural neablame (ERD) ar = c21:05 | 0.5KE/s @ BB all CD 205 Q pedia Emotional and behavioural problems (EBP) or disorders (EBD) can also be classified as either “internalizing” (emotional disorders eg depression and anxiety) or “externalizing” (eg ADHD and CD)”!. Oppositional Defiant Disorder Around one in ten children under the age of 12 years are thought to have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), with boys outnumbering girls by two to one. Some of the typical behaviours of a child with ODD include: ° Easily angered, annoyed or irritated © Frequenttemper tantrums ¢ Argues frequently with adults, particularly the most familiar adults in their lives, such as parents “ Back to top © Refuses to obey rules ¢ Seems to deliberately try to annoy or PEPE ty eee a21:05 | 0.0KE/s @ aggravate others © Low self-esteem ¢ Low frustration threshold ¢ Seeks to blame others for any misfortunes or misdeeds.""! Conduct Disorder Child ren with cond, uct disor der (CD) are often judged as ‘bad kids’ because of their delinquent behaviour and refusal to accept rules. Around five per cent of 10 year olds are thought to have CD, with boys outnumbering girls by four to one. Around 011“) Back #9 tp children with CD also have attention deficit hemarartivitey dicardar (ANUNI = QO21:05 | 0.0KE/s @ Q hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some of the typical behaviours of a child with CD may include: ¢ Frequent refusal to obey parents or other authority figures ¢ Repeated truancy Tendency to use drugs, including cigarettes and alcohol, at a very early age ¢ Lack of empathy for others ¢ Being aggressive to animals and other people or showing sadistic behaviours including bullying and physical or sexual abuse ¢ Keenness to start physical fights ¢ Using weapons in physical fights ¢ Frequent lying ¢ Criminal behaviour such as stealing, deliberately lighting fires, breaking into houses and vandalism ¢ A tendency to run away |“ Backito top * Suicidal tendencies — although these are more rare. oance | sakes @ Risk factors See diagram below Preventive measures that have been researched for controlling the risk of childhood emotional and behaviour problems include breastfeeding, avoiding second-hand smoke exposure in non-smoker youths and intensive parenting interventions!!. “ Back to top Consequences of = QO SdBehavioural and Emotional Disorders Childhood behavioural and emotional disorders (EBD) have significant negative impacts on the society, in the form of direct behavioural consequences and costs, and on the individual, in the form of poor academic, occupational and psychosocial functioning and on the family. The costs to society include the trauma, disruption and psychological problems caused to the victims of crime or aggression in homes, schools « »* Back to top communities, together with the financial cacte nf carvicac ta treat tha affactod = c2106 | oaKe/s@ BB ull Co 20 QQ Physiopedia communities, together with the financial costs of services to treat the affected individuals, including youth justice services, courts, prison services, social services, foster homes, psychiatric services, accident and emergency services, alcohol and drug misuse services, in addition to unemployment and other required state benefits. Prevention and management of EBD is not easy and it requires an integrated multidisciplinary effort by healthcare providers at different levels to be involved in the assessment, prevention and management of affected individuals, and also to provide social, economic and psycho-emotional support to the affected families. There is increasing evidence base for several psychosocial interventions but less so for pharmacological treatment apart from the use of stimulants for ADHD, |?! “ Back to top Teantemrant o21:06 | 0.0KB/s BB vat! CD 205 (eMart) Treatment Treat eT ment & is ase e usuall 2, ae 2 " e The therapist meets Berwoen session, parents multif. ‘warty witnite family practice using the sklls {0 monitor progress and they've leamed rom vide on-going su the therapist. aceted or “going support. verapest and Alter therapy ends, families continue to experience improved behavior and reduced stress. depen ds on the particular disorder and factors contributing to it, but may include: ¢ Parental education - for example, teaching parents how to communicate with and manage their children. ¢ Family therapy - the entire family is helped to improve communication and problem-solving skills. © Cognitive behavioural therapy - to help “ Back to top the child to control theiz behaviour. a Seefeld tenintee the abil tetosdt = (a) <21:06 | o.2KE/s © BB val CD 205 QQ Physiopedia © Social training - the child is taught important social skills, such as how to have a conversation or play cooperatively with others. ° Anger management - the child is taught how to recognise the signs of their growing frustration and given a range of coping skills designed to defuse their anger and aggressive behaviour. Relaxation techniques and stress management skills are also taught. Support for associated problems - for example, a child with a learning difficulty will benefit from professional support. Encouragement - many children with behavioural disorders experience repeated failures at school and in their interactions with others. Encouraging the child to excel in their particular talents (such as sport) can heln to build “ Back to top self-esteem. © Medication - to help control impulsive fa ill Oo2106 | o1Ke/s@ BB Sut Co 205 behaviours!!, Early Identification Early detection is the important path for the early intervention of the problem.It helps improve the QOL of the individual and decrease burden created to family society and nation. ¢ Behavioral problem can be identified in preschool age group and the period around the transition to school has been identified as a particularly effective time to intervene for the behavioral problem. ¢ Early intervention programs for individuals with early signs of mental problem have been highlighted as crucial and effective strategies to prevent development of mental disorders'2!.'4! “ Back to top ~ Ml oO