When a child or adolescent behaves in a way that is
inappropriate for his/ her age or situation we call it a ‘behavioral problem’.
If the problem persists for a long time and interferes with studies/ play or health
and development, we call it a behavioral ‘disorder’.
Behavioral disorders in children are of following
types:
1.
Delay in development of speech and
understanding, physical capacities like walking, running etc and toilet habits
2.
Abnormal patterns of feeding and sleeping
3.
Being very active and having poor
concentration
4.
Being very stubborn and always wanting to
have own way.
5.
Being poor at studies and not attending
school regularly. Fear of exams.
6.
Lying, stealing, using drugs or alcohol
7.
Starving to remain thin, inspite of being
thin already
8.
Any features of mental illness such as
depressed mood, excessively cheerful mood, hallucinations, false beliefs, having
repeated unwanted thoughts, etc
Behavioral disorders can occur because of
1.
Improper guidance to child about expected
behavioral patterns
2.
Nutritional problems
3.
Direct or indirect brain damage due to
injury, infections, toxins or metabolic problems
4.
Hereditary factors
5.
Psychological trauma of severe illness,
prolonged illness, family problem, mishaps (kidnap) or abuse
Behavioral problems can be diagnosed by
1.
Detailed check-up of child, family and
environment
2.
Some blood tests and psychological tests
may be required
Behavioral problems are treated by
1.
Parental counseling and child counseling
2.
Working with the school and other persons
involved in the child’s care
3.
Sometimes medicines have to be given
