While some behavioral issues may be normal, some behavioral disorder develops patterns of aggressiveness, defiance and hostility. Behavioral disorders are as common in adults as they are in kids, which is why knowing the causes and signs of behavioral disorders can help with early intervention.
Also known as disruptive behavioral disorders, this type of disorder is defined by ongoing hostile and defiant patterns. Studies show that a behavioral disorder affects 1 to 4 percent of adolescents in the U.S. and 10.2 percent in children.
Children with behavioral disorders often develop personality disorders later on such as depression or bipolar disorders. In some cases, they put themselves at a higher risk for suicide.
Types of behavioral disorders include anxiety disorder, dissociative disorders, emotional disorders, persuasive developmental disorders and disruptive behavioral disorders. The more known disorders include Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to Psych Guides.
The development of behavioral disorders often come as a result of a wide array of contributing factors that include physical, environmental and genetic components. Biological causes of behavioral disorders include physical disabilities or illness, hereditary factors, malnutrition or brain damage.
In some cases, factors that relate to a person's home may contribute to the disruption in behavior such as a divorce, unhealthy discipline style, poor attitude towards education or coercion from parents. Many risk factors for the disorder often stem from exposure to violence, abuse and a dysfunctional home life.
Compared to other medical conditions, a behavioral disorder shows mostly emotional symptoms. Signs of behavioral disorders include often appearing to be angry, social isolation, bullying, putting the blame on others, easily annoyed, refusing to follow rules, throwing temper tantrums, willful destruction of property, and difficulty in handling frustration.
Cognitive signs of the disorders include difficulty concentrating, impaired memory and lack of problem-solving skills. Psychosocial symptoms, on the other hand, include lack of empathy and remorse, persistent negativity and low self-esteem, according to Valley Behavioral.
Treating children and adolescents with disruptive disorders entail early intervention to keep the behaviors from escalating into riskier and more severe consequences. Unfortunately, severe and long-standing behavioral disorder can be difficult to treat.
