Exploring behavior disorders in children and adolescents

Over the last century more and more children and adolescents have been diagnosed with behavior disorders. While problematic behaviors in adolescents have always been seen in and out of schools, it has only been in the last century that psychologists have looked deeper into the root of these behaviors. The term behavior disorders can in fact encompass a number of different disorders seen among both children and adolescents. The three specific disorders discussed in this paper will be attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHA), conduct disorder (CD), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). A great deal of the time, children exhibiting these types of disorders are trying to find some type of balance in their environment and within themselves. Lacking the skills to manage their thoughts, feelings, and actions appropriately, these children display behaviors that are considered to be inappropriate or even unacceptable in the social norm. The reason for exploring these three disorders is based on the relationship that each plays on the impairment of children and adolescents socially, academically, and occupationally. It is often seen that children experiencing various behavior disorders also tend to experience learning disorders as well. At times it can be extremely difficult if not impossible to determine if the behavior disorder is a cause of the learning disorder, or if the learning disorder caused the behavior disorder. However, by identifying the disorders, it is a step towards determining ways to help the child or adolescent learn to cope with the issues he or she may be facing. This paper will give a definition of behavior disorders as well as describing what to look for in children and adolescents with behavior disorders. Specific examples of adolescents with behavior disorders will be discussed, as well as the prevalence of behavior disorders in young people today. The etiology of behavior disorders will be examined, and also preventive measures that can be taken. Finally, we will look at ways to deal with problematic behaviors in and out of the classroom