Most children exhibit occasional behavior problems as a reaction to stress or discomfort. When a child's behavior becomes alarmingly violent or severe, follows a pattern or disrupts daily life, professional evaluation may be necessary. Serious behavior problems in children are indicative of an underlying issue. Causes may include mental health problems, physical illness or an unhealthy environment. Identifying the source of a child's anger is the first step in treating the problem.
Behavior and Associated Risks
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, violent behavior in children can range from explosive temper tantrums to physically harming people or animals. The AACP further states that regardless of a child's age, violent behavior should be taken seriously, not viewed as a "phase." Behavioral problems not curbed in children may lead to serious problems in adolescence.
Violent teens are more likely than their non-violent peers to be involved in criminal activity, have gang associations, get in fights, use drugs, practice unsafe sex and commit suicide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that youth violence is the second leading cause of death in those between the ages of 10 and 24.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or ODD, is characterized by ongoing hostility and uncooperative behavior toward authority figures, such as parents and teachers. Children with ODD often argue with adults, use foul or abusive language, refuse to comply with rules or requests, blame others and are highly irritable, spiteful or vengeful. Disorders often present with ODD include anxiety disorders, learning disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and mood disorders.
Conduct Disorder
ODD in younger children may progress into conduct disorder. Conduct disorder is defined as ongoing behavioral problems, such as drug use and criminal activity. Conduct disorder is more prevalent in males than in females and occurs more frequently in adolescents than in younger children. Symptoms include antisocial behaviors, disregard for rules, cruelty to people or animals, aggression, destructive behaviors, lying and fighting.
Possible Causes
The AACAP states that a child is more likely to engage in violent behavior if he has been the victim of physical or sexual abuse, witnessed domestic violence, been exposed to violence in media, or is using drugs or alcohol. Other environmental issues causing this behavior may include family problems such as divorce, unemployment or poverty. Physical problems, such as brain injury, can also cause violent behavior. The MedlinePlus website, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, states that a child's peer group is the primary risk factor for violent behavior.
Evaluation and Treatment
The AACAP recommends that caregivers concerned about a child's behavioral issues seek professional help. A pediatrician or physician can perform a medical evaluation to determine whether there is a physical cause for the behavior problem and make any necessary referrals. A mental health specialist may be able to identify underlying issues and determine the best course of treatment.
Treatment of behavioral disorders in children often involves a combination of methods, which frequently include individual, family and parent-child interaction therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training and positive parenting technique training. Typically, medication is only prescribed when ODD occurs in conjunction with another mental health issue, such as an anxiety disorder.
References
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Understanding Violent Behavior in Children
- MedlinePlus: Teen Violence
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Understanding Youth Violence
- MedlinePlus: Conduct Disorder
