Disruptive behavior in children can be a symptom of a physical, emotional or cognitive disorder. Recurring behavioral episodes might signal that your child needs psychiatric assessment and treatment. Professional evaluation is recommended for children of all ages when signs of behavioral disorders are present. Early identification and intervention is essential to your child's recovery.
Onset
Symptoms of behavioral disorders can appear at any age. The cause of your child's disruptive behavior generally dictates when those behaviors will occur. According to the University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Psychiatry, your child's age when problem behavior begins gives valuable insight to professionals, and is a critical consideration in diagnosing and treating his condition.
Causes
Your child's disruptive behavior might be caused by psychiatric disorders, cognitive impairments or physical illnesses. Psychiatrists often find multiple conditions contributing to a child's negative behavior. Research published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders finds 55 percent of children with autism also suffered impairment from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. If your child suffers from more than one disorder, diagnosis and treatment can be complicated and time-consuming.
Diagnosis
Determining the cause of disruptive behavior in children can challenge mental health professionals. The Office of the U.S. Surgeon General recommends that during the evaluation, the professional diagnosing your child should gather information from you, teachers and medical professionals familiar with your child. You may be asked to complete questionnaires to provide insight into your child's behavior, level of function, environment and physical health.
Treatment
Your child's treatment plan will be designed after professional diagnosis is complete. Psychotherapy, psychosocial therapy or medication may be used to treat your child's behavior problems. The Office of the U.S. Surgeon General reports use of psychosocial therapy, which includes group play and other social therapies, along with medication is most beneficial to some children. If your child is diagnosed with a physical illness, such as a seizure disorder, she will require the help of neurologists or other specialists.
Prognosis
Outcomes vary dramatically among children with disruptive behavior. Your child's response to treatment is difficult to predict, because two children with the same diagnosis may experience opposite results. For example, one child may recover completely from oppositional defiant disorder, while another develops conduct disorder, a related condition that lasts throughout adulthood. The U.S. National Guideline Clearinghouse reports the most successful treatments require you, your child's teachers and therapists working as a team.
