Module 18 : Behavioral

Problems

Student Objectives:
To learn about the signs of behavioral problems
To understand bad behavior and conduct disorder
To learn about the long-term effects of behavioral
problems and conduct disorder
To understand the diagnosis of conduct disorder and
behavior issues
To learn about specific treatments for conduct disorder
and behavioral issues

18.1 Introduction
Thus far in this course, we have covered
development, nature and nurture, forming
relationships, and self-esteem.

In this module, we will cover something that many parents deal

with: behavioral problems. Though all children have moments
when they misbehave, in some cases, this behavior cannot be
controlled by the parent. At this point, it is best to seek
out professional intervention.

18.2 The Signs of Behavioral

Problems
All children have behavioral issues at some
point, and they often go through different
phases of behavioral issues as they age and
become independent.

Most children go through two challenging phases where they

push the limits on behavior, toddlerhood, and adolescence, but
most of the time, parents, carers, and teachers will come
together to teach these children how to behave in an
appropriate manner. Occasionally, children will have an
outburst or tantrum, but usually, it is nothing that a parent
should worry about.

Some, however, do have serious behavioral problems, and common

signs include:

Children who continuously exhibit bad behavior for

several months
Children who are repeatedly aggressive, disobedient, and
cheeky, even after being disciplined
Children who seriously break rules in their home or
school
Behavior that is more than simple mischief or
rebelliousness

18.3 Behavioral Issues and Conduct

Disorder
Sometimes the behavior of a child will
affect their development and ultimately
interfere with their ability to lead a life
that is considered to be normal.

When behavioral issues get this severe, experts call it a

conduct disorder. In younger children, this condition is
referred to as “oppositional defiant disorder.”

Children who have a conduct disorder might commonly get in

physical fights, or they might lie, cheat, and steal without
any sign of guilt or remorse when they get caught. These
children refuse to follow household and school rules, and
often break the law as they get into their teenage years. They
also push the limits of their teachers, parents, or carers
might stay out all night, and might not go to school during
the day.

Teenagers with conduct disorder also often take risks with

their safety and health by engaging in unprotected sexual
intercourse or taking illegal drugs.
Conduct disorder can cause much stress to the children who
suffer from it as well as to their families, friends, schools,
and even local communities. These children often find that it
is difficult to make friends, and they have difficulties when
attempting to navigate social situations.

Though these children might be bright, they often do not do

well in school and are generally near the bottom of the class
when compared to their peers. Internally, these children might
feel as if they are worthless and that they cannot do anything
correctly. It is also common for them to exhibit anger and to
blame other people for their difficulties in life, as they do
not know how to make positive changes.
FACT

While most children exhibit behavioral issues as they advance

through different stages of their lives, those who are
repeatedly aggressive or who act out for several months at a
time may have an underlying behavioral health issue that
requires professional attention.

Source: CPD

18.4 The Causes of Oppositional

Defiant Disorder and Conduct
Disorder
There is no one cause of conduct disorder, and
only recently are professionals starting to
understand that there are a number of possible
causes, events or conditions that might lead to
conduct disorder.

Children are more apt to develop oppositional defiant

disorder/conduct disorder if they fit into the following
categories:
 Possess genes that may lead to antisocial behavior
Show difficulty when learning accepted social
interactions and behaviors
Show a temperament that is difficult for others to
handle
Have reading or learning difficulties, which makes it
difficult for these children to understand and
participate in lessons; they then get bored, might
misbehave, and often feel stupid
Show signs of depression
Have a history of being abused or bullied
Show signs of hyperactivity, which causes difficulties
with paying attention, self-control, and following the
rules
Surround themselves with other children who have
behavioral problems

In general, boys are more likely than girls to have behavioral

issues and to be diagnosed with conduct disorder. In some
cases, parenting factors can come into play with conduct
disorder including issues with discipline or the
disorganization of the family unit. Parents might also make
things more difficult for a child with behavioral issues, such
as giving too little attention to the times when a child
exhibits good behavior. They might also be too quick with
their criticism or too flexible with the rules they create for
their children. Additionally, they might not supervise their
children correctly.

18.5 The Long-Term Effects of

Dealing with Conduct Disorder and
Bad Behavior
The typical person who is diagnosed with
conduct disorder is male, and he generally
has been previously diagnosed with or shows
signs of having attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder.

He is also usually categorized as having lower intelligence.

This doesn’t mean that a female can’t have conduct disorder,
however, and it doesn’t mean that a very bright person can’t
have this disorder.

Research shows that the earlier these issues start, the higher
the risk that a young person will engage in criminal acts
and/or violence. If nothing is done to control and eliminate
the behavior, a person might engage in behavior like this for
their entire life.

Take a Quick Recap Test

18.6 The Diagnosis and Treatment of

Conduct Disorder and Behavior
Issues
The diagnosis of conduct disorder is done
based on the signs and symptoms that have
suggested a person has the condition.

If these signs are present, a doctor usually starts the

diagnosis with a complete psychiatric and medical history. The
doctor might take a series of laboratory tests and will look
for signs of other conditions such as depression or ADHD.

If a doctor cannot find a physical cause for the symptoms, he

or she will refer the child to a mental health professional. A
psychiatrist or psychologist will use a series of assessment
tools to evaluate the child. They will then base the diagnosis
on the child’s symptoms, the observation of the child’s
attitudes and their behavior. They might also rely on the
teachers and parents of the child as children often withhold
information or have difficulty with understanding the
symptoms.

Early diagnosis will give the child the best possible outcome.

Depending on the severity of the behavioral issues, the

treatment is often given across several settings, such as at
home and in school. The actual treatment will depend on the
development, circumstances, and age of the child.

It is imperative that the family supports the child during the

treatment process. Focusing on identifying specific problems
and looking at the child’s strengths are also crucial in the
process, and this can improve the outcome for those with
conduct disorder.
Assistance for behavioral issues might involve supporting the
child to increase positive social behaviors, and they should
be encouraged to control the actions that are antisocial and
destructive.

Home-based Help
It is often difficult for parents and carers when a child has
been diagnosed with a conduct disorder. Some parents and
carers even begin to fear their children, or they are
embarrassed or ashamed by the child’s actions. These adults
often feel helpless, and they do not know how to manage their
child on their own so that they may feel like a failure.

Many parents and caregivers find that they fall into the trap
of only focusing on the child’s bad behavior, and they fail to
notice when the child is performing the right actions.
Over time, the child will realize that they only get attention
from their parent or carer when they misbehave. Most children,
even teenagers, require much attention from those who care for
them, but they often don’t know how to get this attention. So,
they use negative behaviors to get attention, which to them is
better than being ignored.

With children, parents and caregivers will often find that

fair and consistent discipline is the best way to handle the
behavior of their child, and they should also offer love and
positive praise. However, in many cases implementing this can
be difficult, and some parents may require assistance, such as
with parenting group. These groups can help to give the
parents and carers the support they need, and it can help them
to realize that other parents are facing similar issues with
their children. These groups will also offer training for
parents that will help them to encourage positive behaviors in
their children.

School-based Help
Many people who have behavioral issues struggle with their
schoolwork, and this can bring a lot of additional distress.
School staff, however, can help to support the child by
focusing on the positive behaviors, and then reinforce the
work that the parents or carers are doing at home.

These young people often need assistance with social skills,

and the school may be able to offer this. Some children will
also need individual support in the classroom and they will
need an assessment of their learning difficulties. When these
problems become severe, some children will require special
education placements or even new schools where the behavioral
issues they have can be better managed.

Community-based Help
If behavioral issues are persistent and severe, or the child
is suspected of having a conduct disorder, the parent or carer
should reach out to the child’s pediatrician for assistance.
These types of behaviors often indicate that the child must
see a specialist, and if this is the case, the pediatrician
can make a referral to these professionals and to the local
child and adolescent mental health service.

This entire team often works together with the parents, school
and other adults in order to give support to the child. The
team members will assess the issues the child is having, and
they will suggest ways of improving their behavior.
Assessment and treatment of other conditions might also be
done, as conditions such as anxiety, hyperactivity, and
depression, might also cause behavioral issues. Social skills
groups, talking therapy, and behavioral therapy are often used
as a treatment, and the goal is to help children learn to
express themselves appropriately and to manage anger
effectively.

Assignment
Behavioral Problems

Time: 25+ minutes

Work your way through this worksheet to see how well you have
really done
in absorbing the relevant information. Work your way through
this worksheet
to make sure you have a good grounding on this important
topic.

Download the worksheet below print out and complete.

Download Worksheet (pdf)

Conclusion
Severe behavioral issues are not extremely common. However,
approximately 4.5 million children in the United States ages 2
through 17 suffer from a diagnosed behavior problem.
Behavioral issues might be caused by physical or mental
factors, and in some cases, by environmental factors.

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