Childrens Behavioral and Emotional Disorders - Psychology 101

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• published: 25 Jun 2015
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During a child's developmental years, they are constantly growing and changing. It is imperative to note that one must keep this in mind when diagnosing and treating emotional and behavioral disorders in children. ­If a problem, is not temporary or short-lived, then should parents seek out a trained and qualified professional to help their children. Health professionals once thought that brain disorders such as bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or even depression occurred after childhood but now, it is widely held that these brain disorders can begin in early childhood. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), emotional and behavioral disorders affect 10-15 percent of children globally. One of particular childhood-onset mental disorder that is widely studied, treated, and diagnosed is ADHD, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and the NIMH cites that 3-5 percent of children globally suffer from this disorder. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) This disorder is one of the most common mental disorders among children, and two to three more boys than girls are affected. Many children are unable to sit still, finish tasks, plan ahead, or even be aware what is going on around them. Some days, children with ADHD seem fine and the next could be a whirlwind of frenzied and disorganized activity. ADHD can continue on into adolescence and even adulthood, however, within the past decade scientists have learned more about it and how to treat it. From medications, to therapy, and varying educational options, children with ADHD can learn to function in new ways. Autism Children with autism appear to be remote, indifferent, isolated in their own world, and are unable to form emotional connections with other people. Autism is a found in every region of the country, it is more common in boys than girls, and affects about 1 or 2 people in every thousand. This brain disorder can manifest itself in mental retardation, language delays, and other children are very high-functioning with intelligence and speech in tact. Because their brains do not function in the same way other children's do, consistency is the key when dealing with an autistic child. Bi-polar Disorder Bi-polar disorder generally begins during early childhood and continues into adulthood. It is characterized by intense mood swings. For example, a child may have excessive "high" or euphoric feelings, then suddenly, sadness depression. This is thought to be a genetic illness and diagnosis for children under 12 is generally not common and is often misdiagnoses as ADHD. Anxiety Anxiety disorders often cause children to feel distressed, uneasy, even frightened for no apparent reason. Some common anxiety disorders are panic disorders characterized by episodes of intense fear that occur without warning or provocation. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which are compulsive, repeated behaviors or thoughts that seem like they are impossible to stop.­