More Than a Tantrum: Recognizing Behavioral Problems in Your Child and What to Do

Roughly one-fifth of children and teens in the United States suffer from behavioral disorders or other developmental or emotional disorders, like depression. In fact, these combined challenges comprise the leading cause of death for individuals in this age group.

Fortunately, while behavioral issues can be daunting and far-reaching, they’re also treatable, and like any mental health issue, they respond best to prompt treatment. This begins by knowing what signs and symptoms to look for. 

As leading pediatric care providers in Clarksburg, Maryland, our team at Clarksburg Urgent Care is skilled in helping patients and families find solutions for behavioral health issues and identifying real-world, practical options focused on your child’s unique needs and circumstances. 

In this post, our team reviews some of the most common signs of behavioral issues so you can seek treatment as early as possible.

Behavioral issues: What is normal and what is not

First, it’s important to note that getting angry or upset occasionally is generally nothing to worry about. We all get frustrated and lose our temper from time to time. Children, like adults, need to express their thoughts and feelings, including the negative emotions they’re experiencing.

Sometimes, though, negative behaviors and acting out can be associated with underlying mental health issues or behavioral problems, like oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or even depression and anxiety. 

In general, when deciding which behaviors are normal and which indicate something more serious, the factors to focus on are frequency, duration, and intensity. 

For instance, while a tantrum is typically short-lived and triggered by an identifiable event, like being told “no,” behavioral problems occur more frequently, last longer, and can occur even when the trigger isn’t easily identifiable.

Tantrums tend to occur less often as your child develops and improves their coping and reasoning skills. Behavioral issues tend to get worse without treatment, interfering with your child’s relationships, school performance, physical and mental health, and overall quality of life. Following are a few of the key signs to watch for:

Frequent or intense outbursts

Unlike typical, short-lived temper tantrums that happen occasionally, serious behavioral issues tend to be associated with more frequent outbursts that last longer and involve more intense emotions. These outbursts tend to be far out of proportion to any underlying cause. 

Kids with behavioral problems may also be more likely to act out and exhibit emotional outbursts even in settings where they’re expected to behave, like social gatherings, public events, or school settings.

Bullying or aggression toward others

Some behavioral problems can cause kids to act out toward others through bullying or picking fights. These kids tend to have more difficulty managing underlying emotions and controlling negative impulses, even as they grow and develop. 

Kids who routinely act out and harm other people, animals, or property should be evaluated for behavioral issues as soon as possible.

Difficulty with changes in routine

Kids with behavioral issues often have difficulty adapting to changes in their regular routines, especially if these changes are sudden or unexpected. Even when they’re discussed in advance, the change may be met with anger, crying, or other types of acting out.

Acting out in school or social situations

Behavioral issues can create significant conflict and frustration within your child, leading to problems in school, missed homework assignments, poor study habits, low test scores, and even detention or suspension. 

Difficulty coping and managing anger or other emotions makes it much harder to establish and maintain friendships or participate in sports or other group events. 

Lying or secretive behavior

Some behavioral issues, like conduct disorder (CD), can lead to acting out in other ways. Kids with CD may be more likely to lie, steal, skip school, damage property, or even break into homes or cars. 

Lying and secretive behavior can also be associated with other issues, like substance abuse or even grooming. 

Help for behavioral issues

As a parent, you probably know your child’s behavior patterns better than anyone. If you notice any negative or unusual changes in your child’s conduct, don’t ignore it. 

Write down your observations and the changes you see. Then, schedule an evaluation to ensure your child receives the care and help they need to stay healthy and content.

To learn more about behavioral issues and treatments that can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with our team at Clarksburg Urgent Care today.