Most children exhibit challenging behaviors occasionally. However, frequent or intense tantrums can signal underlying issues. This “Don’t Look Under the Bed” parents guide helps identify when to seek professional help and explores potential causes of disruptive behavior in children, offering strategies for effective management.
When Is It Time to Seek Help?
Occasional acting out is normal, but consider professional help if:
- Behavior interferes with friendships or social interactions.
- It disrupts family life and causes conflict at home.
- Your child feels unable to control their anger, leading to negative self-perception.
- Behavior causes problems at school with teachers or peers.
- Behavior is dangerous to themselves or others.
Consulting a mental health professional specializing in children can be beneficial. They can evaluate your child for potential mental health disorders contributing to behavioral issues and recommend appropriate strategies or treatments. Resources like the Child Mind Institute’s Parents Guide to Getting Good Care can assist you in finding a qualified clinician.
Possible Causes and Diagnoses of Disruptive Behavior
Several factors can contribute to disruptive behavior in children:
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD makes it difficult for children to concentrate, pay attention, sit still, and control impulsivity. While not a direct symptom, disruptive behavior often stems from these challenges. The frustration of dealing with repetitive or demanding tasks can lead to impulsive outbursts.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
ODD is characterized by a pattern of behavior problems, including arguing with authority figures, refusing to follow rules, blaming others, and experiencing anger and irritability. The severity and duration of these symptoms distinguish ODD from typical oppositional behavior.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
DMDD involves frequent, severe temper outbursts disproportionate to the situation, coupled with chronic irritability between tantrums. These children often feel remorseful after an outburst due to their difficulty regulating emotions.
Anxiety
Seemingly angry or defiant children may be experiencing severe anxiety. Lashing out can be a coping mechanism when they struggle with overwhelming situations. Pressure at home or school can trigger their “fight or flight” response, resulting in tantrums or avoidance.
Trauma
Traumatized children may mask their pain with aggressive behavior. Trauma can impair emotional self-regulation, lead to negative thinking, and increase vigilance to perceived threats, triggering the “fight or flight” response for self-protection.
Learning Problems
Acting out in school or during homework can indicate an undiagnosed learning disorder. Frustration and shame from struggling with tasks that seem easy for others can lead to disruptive behavior as a diversion.
Sensory Processing Issues
Difficulties processing sensory information can cause discomfort, anxiety, distraction, and overwhelm, leading to disruptive behavior in some children.
Autism
Children on the autism spectrum may become upset by unexpected changes in routine due to their need for consistency. Sensory issues and communication difficulties can also contribute to overwhelming feelings and tantrums.
Parent Training Programs: A Proactive Approach
Parent training programs equip parents with skills to manage their child’s behavior and improve the parent-child relationship. Led by psychologists and social workers, these evidence-based programs have proven effective for many families.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
PCIT involves both parents and children, with a clinician guiding them to interact positively. Suitable for ages 2-7, it typically requires 14-17 weekly sessions. Parents receive live coaching during tasks, practicing responses to desired and undesired behaviors.
Parent Management Training (PMT)
For children ages 3-13, PMT focuses on teaching parents effective strategies for handling challenging behaviors. The therapist models skills, and parents practice them through role-playing. Families usually participate in at least 10 sessions.
Defiant Teens
Defiant Teens targets parents of teenagers aged 13-18. The program focuses on communication skills and tools for handling non-compliance or defiant behavior. It includes training for both parents and teens in problem-solving communication to improve family dynamics.
Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)
Triple P aims to empower parents with confidence and skills in managing child behavior across a wide age range. Families can participate in different levels of intervention based on their needs, including one-on-one sessions and live coaching.
The Incredible Years
The Incredible Years offers small-group-based training for parents of children from infancy through age 12, divided into age groups. The program focuses on improving parent-child relationships, establishing consistent routines, and implementing child management strategies. Children’s groups are also available for ages 4-8, focusing on emotion regulation and social skills.
Medication: When and How
While parent training and behavior therapy offer long-term solutions, medication may be used as an adjunct. Antipsychotics like Abilify (aripiprazole) and Risperdal (risperidone) can reduce aggression and irritability in severe cases. Stimulants may be used for excessive impulsivity in children with ADHD, and antidepressants (SSRIs) can help with underlying depression or anxiety.
It’s crucial to discuss concerns and potential side effects with your doctor. Seek a second opinion if your doctor doesn’t address your concerns or follow best practices for medication changes. Never adjust or withdraw medication without consultation, as gradual reduction and monitoring are often necessary.
Note about Risperdal
Risperdal can cause serious side effects, including weight gain, metabolic, neurological, and hormonal changes. Regular monitoring by doctors is essential during treatment, including baseline measurements of height, weight, vital signs, prolactin levels, and blood fats and sugar.
Conclusion: Empowering Parents for Positive Change
Understanding the potential causes of disruptive behavior and seeking appropriate interventions are vital for supporting children’s well-being. This “Don’t Look Under the Bed” parents guide empowers parents to identify when to seek help, explore various treatment options, and foster a positive and supportive environment for their children.
