Psychological & Behavioral Problems in Children

Although childhood should be a time of simple joys, many children struggle with psychological and behavioral disorders that disrupt their lives. Most children experience moments of circumstantial sadness, fear and poor behavior, but some children have extended periods of extreme reactions that fall outside of normal ranges for childhood. These children may need professional help to overcome psychiatric and behavioral disorders.

Common Pediatric Psychological Disorders

• Although children can experience symptoms of most psychological disorders, the most common pediatric disorders include depression, anxiety disorders and phobias. According to Healthy Place, a website that offers information on mental illness, 1 in every 10 children has exhibited symptoms of depression, including hopelessness, sad feelings, sleep disturbances, listlessness and a lack of interest in activities. Anxiety disorders are also common in childhood. Children can experience irrational fears and phobias or even obsessions and compulsions.

Behavioral Disorders

• All children have occasional behavioral problems. Some of these are developmentally appropriate, such as a 3-year-old having a temper tantrum. However, that same temper tantrum at 6 years old is age-inappropriate. Frequent and severe behavioral problems may constitute Oppositional Defiant Disorder, a behavioral disorder. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry describes ODD as "an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant and hostile behavior toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the youngster's day-to-day functioning." Symptoms of ODD include revenge-seeking, defiance toward adults, argumentative attitude and anger.

Developmental Disorders

• Some children with seemingly bad behavior may actually have a developmental disorder that mimics behavioral problems. Children with an autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit disorder/attention deficit with hyperactivity disorder may exhibit difficult behaviors that they cannot control. Children with Asperger's disorder or another ASD have challenging social interactions. What appears to be blatant disregard for an authority figure or rude behavior toward a peer may actually be an aspect of the child's disorder. Children with ADD/ADHD often have significant difficulty with impulse control. They may touch or take things they know they should not or cut in front of other children in line. Parents and caregivers should handle the challenging behavior as aspects of the condition, not just poor behavior.

Professional Help for Children

• Psych Central, a website with expert psychologists, suggests carefully determining whether your child requires professional help. Many behavioral problems can be treated by the parents seeking parenting help and advice. Psych Central suggests seeking psychiatric help if your child exhibits extreme shyness, destructive behavior, unexplained changes in weight, difficulties with sleep or aggressive behavior. When any behavior or psychological disorder interferes with the child's normal life, professional help is warranted.