Every child misbehaves now and then. Stress can also set off behavior problems that pass with time: a new brother or sister, a divorce, or a death in the family can all lead a child to act out.
A behavior disorder is more serious. It is a pattern of hostile, aggressive or disruptive behavior that goes on for more than 6 months and does not fit the child's age.
Warning signs
- harming or threatening themselves, other people or pets
- damaging or destroying property
- lying or stealing
- doing poorly in school, or skipping it
- smoking, drinking or using drugs early
- early sexual activity
- frequent tantrums and arguments
- steady hostility toward authority figures
Why to act early
Poor choices can turn into habits, so if you notice signs of a problem, get help. Children with behavior problems face a higher risk of failing at school, of mental health problems, and even of suicide.
What helps
- For parents: classes or family therapy can teach how to set limits and hold to them.
- For the child: talk therapy and behavior therapy can also help.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, produced by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Child Behavior Disorders": https://medlineplus.gov/childbehaviordisorders.html
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
1
0
0
0
Comments
Read next
Version: 2CC0 1.0 — public domain
Haemophilus bacteria can cause breathing, bone, joint and nervous system illness. One type, Hib, causes serious disease in young children, including meningitis and pneumonia — and a vaccine prevents it.
Version: 2CC0 1.0 — public domain
The colon, or large intestine, is where the body forms and stores stool. The disorders that most often affect it — from polyps and cancer to colitis, diverticulitis and IBS — and how they're treated.
Version: 2CC0 1.0 — public domain
Fragile X syndrome is caused by a change in a gene needed to make a protein for brain development. Its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and how early treatment helps.
Version: 2CC0 1.0 — public domain
Calcium builds bones and helps muscles, nerves and blood vessels work. Food sources, the two main kinds of supplement and how to take them, daily amounts by age, and who may fall short.