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P7-Coun Psy - Q10- Describe counselling for children with behavioral…
P7-Coun Psy - Q10- Describe counselling for children with behavioral problems.
The most common disruptive behaviour disorders include oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These three behavioural disorders share some common symptoms, so diagnosis can be difficult and time consuming.
A child or adolescent may have two disorders at the same time. Other exacerbating factors can include emotional problems, mood disorders, family difficulties and substance abuse.
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
Frequent temper tantrums
Argues frequently with adults, particularly the most familiar adults in their lives, such as parents
Refuses to obey rules
Seems to deliberately try to annoy or aggravate others
Low self-esteem
Low frustration threshold
Seeks to blame others for any misfortunes or misdeeds.
Conduct disorder
Children with conduct disorder (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.
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 from home
Suicidal tendencies – although these are more rare.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Around two to five per cent of children are thought to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with boys outnumbering girls by three to one.
The characteristics of ADHD can include:
Inattention
– difficulty concentrating, forgetting instructions, moving from one task to another without completing anything.
Impulsivity
– talking over the top of others, having a ‘short fuse’, being accident-prone.
Overactivity
– constant restlessness and fidgeting.
Causes & Risk Factors of children’s behavioural disorders (ODD , CD & ADHD)
Gender
– boys are much more likely than girls to suffer from behavioural disorders. It is unclear if the cause is genetic or linked to socialisation experiences.
Gestation and birth
– difficult pregnancies, premature birth and low birth weight may contribute in some cases to the child’s problem behaviour later in life.
Temperament
– children who are difficult to manage, temperamental or aggressive from an early age are more likely to develop behavioural disorders later in life.
Family life
– behavioural disorders are more likely in dysfunctional families. For example, a child is at increased risk in families where domestic violence, poverty, poor parenting skills or substance abuse are a problem.
Learning difficulties
–problems with reading and writing are often associated with behaviour problems.
Intellectual disabilities
– children with intellectual disabilities are twice as likely to have behavioural disorders.
Brain development
– studies have shown that areas of the brain that control attention appear to be less active in children with ADHD.
Diagnosis of children’s behavioral disorders
Diagnosis by a specialist service, which may include a paediatrician, psychologist or child psychiatrist
In-depth interviews with the parents, child and teachers
Behaviour check lists or standardised questionnaires.
It is important to rule out acute stressors that might be disrupting the child’s behaviour. For example, a sick parent or victimising by other children might be responsible for sudden changes in a child’s typical behaviour and these factors have to be considered initially.
Treatment of behavioural disorders in children
Untreated children with behavioural disorders may grow up to be dysfunctional adults. Generally, the earlier the intervention, the better the outcome is likely to be.
Treatment is usually multifaceted and depends on the particular disorder
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 the child to control their thoughts and behaviour.
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 help to build self-esteem.
Medication
– to help control impulsive behaviors.
Prepared by: Srinivas Adapa;
Content Source:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/behavioural-disorders-in-children