What is it about ?
It is difficult to clearly define a behavioral disorder. We can describe it as behavior repetitive and persistent, provocative, antisocial or aggressive, which does not meet social expectations adapted to age, and which is therefore not socially accepted by those around and / or by society. As a society, we find that this type of disturbed behavior is inappropriate, resulting in conflicts with common norms and values.
Not all behavior problems are behavior problems. We speak of behavioral disorder when this disorder causes suffering in the person himself (for example, because he is not accepted in the community) and / or in his close entourage (parents, school, etc.). ..). It could be assault, criminal acts, lies or breaking the rules. The behavior is provocative towards others and constantly repeats. The behavior is therefore not isolated and has an impact on the personality of the individual.
This patient guide deals with behavioral disorders in children and adolescents.
Behavioral disorders often go hand in hand with other developmental disorders. Thus, it is also often a question of dyslexia, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), motor difficulties (TAC or disorder in the acquisition of coordination) and depression. Children with behavioral problems find it difficult to function in society and are often disappointed in social interactions (with friends, family, teachers, coaches, etc.) and drop out. The biggest risk is that they put themselves on the margins of society, when they just need more support and more attention.
There are different behavioral disorders:
- Oppositional Provocative Disorder :
The child is mainly disobedient, without being seriously aggressive. This disorder typically affects children under the age of 10. Often, the child refuses to listen, is recalcitrant, quickly irritated and quickly gets angry. The behavior is often hostile, which can lead to arguments with adults. The disorder is considered the mildest of the behavioral disturbances but, if left untreated, it often leads to a more severe disorder (see below). - Behavioral disorder limited to the family environment :
The negative behavior remains limited to the immediate family. This disorder has a good chance of recovery. - Badly Socialized Behavior Disorder :
The child does not have good experiences with interactions and relationships with others and is not able to put himself in other people’s shoes. He has no empathy and it is difficult, if not impossible, to function in a group. - Socialized behavior disorder :
Unlike poorly socialized behavioral disorder, the child is able to form friendships and integrate into a group. The child has difficulty with the notion of morality and with the usual norms and values of society. Consciousness is not developed: the child may function well in a group, but be unable to feel guilty when he has done something wrong.
How to recognize them?
Symptoms should include some of the following: the child often loses patience, argues, is disobedient, deliberately annoys people, blames others for his or her own mistakes, is susceptible or easily annoyed, is often angry, mean or holds grudges, lies for personal benefit, is involved in fights, uses a weapon, stays out at night despite prohibitions, displays physical cruelty to people or animals, destroys other people’s property, has a tendency to gamble with fire (pyromania), theft, skipping school, running away, resorting to forced sexual activity, harassment and intimidation, committing burglaries.
Warning ! An isolated fact is not necessarily a sign of a behavioral disorder. This diagnosis is difficult to make and requires undesirable behavior repeated and persistent, despite attempts to get back on track.
How is the diagnosis made?
Diagnosing a behavioral disorder is difficult and requires careful examination. A thoughtful analysis of the situation is absolutely necessary. Such a diagnosis indeed has serious consequences on the life of the person in question and those around him. This is the reason why a diagnosis of behavioral disorder is most often made in a specialized center, where a multidisciplinary team with experience in the matter draws up the map of the problems. This team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists, child psychiatrists (child psychiatrists), occupational therapists and physiotherapists. The team offers a number of tests to the person and observes his behavior in certain defined situations. To do this, the team sometimes travels to home or school, to see how things are going on a daily basis. It has been shown that the earlier treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery.
Behavioral disorders are often associated with other mental or developmental disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, depression, attention deficit disorder, etc. If so, these disorders will be treated as a priority, as the behavior disorder is seen as part of a larger problem.
What can you do ?
Do not hesitate to consult your general practitioner if you have any questions on the subject. The general practitioner can recognize the signals of a problematic situation and direct you to the right address. You can also contact PMS centers, teachers, schools or Personal Assistance Centers (CAP). Your town or city may also have a Childhood Center, where you can find all kinds of information. If the behavior turns bad enough to trigger legal consequences, juvenile courts can provide the appropriate support. This intervention is preferably done on a voluntary basis, but it can also be imposed by force.
What can the doctor do?
Treating a behavioral disorder is difficult and takes a great deal of time, patience and discipline. It must be the subject of a careful plan. Primary health care providers play an essential role in this, as they closely follow the child and its development. They are generally very knowledgeable about how the family works and how existing social interactions are going. Care is therefore preferably entrusted to caregivers who know the child and his family, and vice versa. Parents, social workers, teachers and school supervisors are important partners in the support process. They will assess the need for specialist support.
Most often, it will be a trip including psychotherapy. In some cases, the (pedo) psychiatrist begins treatment with medication. The child or adolescent must sometimes be admitted to a specialized center to follow a therapeutic course. Usually, one starts with a foundation of security and trust, from which changes in behavior can develop. The person must cultivate his self-confidence, in order to believe that things can change. In the presence of problems of a psychosocial nature in the immediate entourage (with parents, for example), these can also be taken care of. The integral method, taking the whole situation into account, is the best approach.
If it is a question of drug addiction and / or substance abuse (alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, etc.), the help of drug addiction professionals may be requested. When faced with language and speech problems and / or learning difficulties, a speech therapist is called upon. Physiotherapists can intervene with motor skills, for example through writing therapy, improving coordination and other fine motor exercises. Social workers can solve social and administrative problems. Sometimes the juvenile court is involved and can provide adequate support. In some cases, the court considers prolonged minority status (i.e. the person remains a legal minor after the age of 18) or seeks a guardian or foster family.
Want to know more?
- Behavior and discipline (1-3 years) – Born and grow
- Behavior and discipline (3-5 years) – To be born and to grow
- Behavior and discipline (5-8 years) – Born and grow
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- ONE – Office of Birth and Childhood
- PMS Center – Wallonia-Brussels Federation
- Mental Health Services – The Social Guide
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