Children’s Behavioral Health and Behavior Disorders
Personal Pediatrics board-certified pediatricians have extensive knowledge and experience in children’s behavioral health and behavior disorders. Personal Pediatrics is committed to providing the best care possible for children in Orlando, FL, and the surrounding area. If you are concerned about your child’s behavioral health, don’t hesitate to contact Personal Pediatrics. Schedule an appointment at our pediatric clinic in Orlando, FL and get the help you need to give your child the support they deserve. Call 407-345-9929.
Behavioral Health
It can be difficult to measure your child’s behavioral health because children can act out in many ways that may worry their parents.
As children develop, they are constantly learning how to interact with the world around them, and how to respond to these interactions. If your child experiences distress or consistent problems throughout their everyday life, they may have a behavioral disorder.
Common Mental and Behavioral Disorders
A mental or behavioral issue can present itself in many forms. A few of the most frequent disorders that appear in children are:
Anxiety
If your child is so fearful or worried that they are unable to perform daily functions at school or at home then they may have an anxiety disorder.
Depression
All kids experience sadness. However, if this sadness progresses into feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, it may be a sign of a more concerning condition such as depression.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental condition that can affect children in a variety of ways. Generally, kids with ADHD experience trouble when trying to focus on a task.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is a spectral condition that affects neurodevelopment, causing difficulty with socializing and communication. Since it is measured on a spectrum, it can be very mild or very intense.
Conduct Disorder (CD)
If children are consistently breaking rules set forth by their parents or teachers, and are aggressive toward others, they may be diagnosed with conduct disorder.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
This disorder typically presents itself in children ages 8-12 and is characterized by a short temper, refusal to follow the direction of others, and arguing with people in a disrespectful manner.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Kids with OCD may have obsessions, compulsions, or both. These cause the child to have an urge that may not be particularly rational, but makes them feel as though they must act on it anyway.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Generally, children are incredibly resilient, which allows them to recover quickly from a stressful event. Cases where such stressful events leave a lasting, negative impression on their child and their life are known as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Tourette’s Syndrome
Both children and adults with tourette’s will make involuntary verbal or physical outbursts that are referred to as “tics”.
When to See a Professional
Some behavioral disorders are more easy to manage than others, but each one can warrant the advice and care of a professional if it is affecting the child’s daily functions. A specialist will make sure to provide the child with extra support to help them manage and control their disorder.
Meeting with a behavioral health specialist never means that your child is crazy, it simply means that you are willing to seek assistance in providing your son or daughter with the tools they need to enjoy their life to the fullest.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/symptoms.html https://www.verywellfamily.com/when-do-child-behavioral-problems-require-professionals-1094789
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