WEP Behavior Problems

ROBERT M. NEWELL, PH.D.

FORENSIC AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Specializing in Behavioral Healthcare for Children &

Adolescents, Families, Couples, and Adults.

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WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT

CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Being disobedient and oppositional are a normal part of the developmental process for children and adolescents. Children and adolescents may disobey rules at home or at school, defy their parents or other authority figures, and argue or talk disrespectfully. However, parents become concerned when a child’s oppositional behavior exceeds what is considered to be the normal based on a child’s age and stage of development. Children and adolescents with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) display a pattern of behavior that is characterized by being uncooperative, defiant, and hostile toward parents and other authority figures to a point where it compromises the child’s ability to function adequately at home and/or at school. When this occurs, parents should seek professional help for their child and family.

Symptoms of a behavior disorder include:

· Frequent temper tantrums

· Excessive arguing with adults and authority figures

· Overt defiance and refusal to comply with adult requests and rules

· Deliberate attempts to annoy or upset people

· Blaming others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior

· Often being touchy or easily annoyed by others

· Frequent anger and resentment

· Mean and hateful talking when upset

· Seeking revenge

The symptoms are usually seen in multiple settings, but may be more noticeable at home or at school. Research shows that five to 15 percent of all school-age children have Oppositional Defiant Disorder. The causes of ODD are unknown, but both biological and environmental factors play a role.

A child presenting with ODD symptoms should have a comprehensive evaluation. It is important to determine if other disorders are present such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, mood disorders (depression or Bipolar Disorder), or an anxiety disorder. It may be difficult to improve the symptoms of ODD without treating the coexisting disorder. Some children with ODD may go on to develop a more serious disorder called Conduct Disorder.

Treatment of ODD includes parent training to help manage the child's behavior, Individual psychotherapy to develop more effective anger management and coping skills, family psychotherapy to improve communication, social skills training to increase flexibility and improve frustration tolerance with peers.

I specialize in treating children and adolescents with behavior problems.

► CLICK HERE to learn more about my approach to treatment for children and adolescents with behavioral problems.

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DR. ROBERT M. NEWELL

Telephone: 509-910-0329

Email: mail@drrobertnewell.com

Website: www.drrobertnewell.com