Children can have a number of reasons for behavioral issues and they can manifest in very different ways. At the root of most of these disorders, the child is likely experiencing some level of fear, insecurity, sadness, or anger and the resulting behaviors have a large impact on the child themselves as well as the people around them. On a positive note, with children there can be a lot of room to intervene and make a difference early so the rest of their life is improved. It is very important to accurately diagnose what is going on and then correctly treating those symptoms with a pediatric psychiatrist to make a meaningful change in their life.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) | Defiance Towards Authority Figures
Children diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) exhibit a consistent pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior towards authority figures. These behaviors significantly disrupt their daily life and relationships. Children with ODD often display symptoms including:
- Frequent outbursts of anger and irritability, often without provocation.
- Arguing with adults and testing boundaries.
- Deliberate disrespect aimed at inciting conflict.
- Refusing to comply with rules or requests; general defiance.
- Deliberately annoying and upsetting others.
- Blaming others for their mistakes.
Many children and adolescents have periods of oppositional behavior. What distinguishes the disorder from more developmentally typical “acting out” is the frequency, intensity, duration, and to what extent relationships and functioning are impacted. ODD is more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls, and it often coexists with other mental health conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or mood disorders. Early identification and treatment of ODD is essential for long-term success.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment
A Better Day Psychiatry can provide oppositional defiant disorder treatment for children and teens in Denver, Lakewood, Golden and surrounding areas with qualified and caring providers. Treatment for ODD can include therapy such as CBT or DBT as well as medications that address irritability, sadness, anxiety, or agitation. For all of the disorders, a multimodal, team-based approach between therapists, prescribers, social workers, primary care, the school and family is most successful and in many cases treatment is ongoing.
Conduct Disorder (CD) | Aggressive & Destructive
Children diagnosed with Conduct Disorder (CD) display antisocial behavior and violation of the rights of others. Behaviors commonly include:
- Aggression towards people or animals.
- Destruction of property.
- Deceitfulness or theft.
- Serious violations of rules.
These actions can significantly impair social, academic, and family functioning, and may lead to legal problems. Early intervention and comprehensive treatment is crucial for managing Conduct Disorder and preventing its progression into adulthood.
A Better Day Psychiatry provides conduct disorder treatment in children and adolescents in Denver, Lakewood, Golden, and surrounding areas.
Conduct Disorder Treatment
The psychiatrists and providers at A Better Day Psychiatry are knowledgeable about treating Conduct Disorder. With conduct disorder it is especially important to intervene as early as possible both to limit possible legal consequences or irreversible relationship or academic changes. Conduct Disorder may also lead to the adult Antisocial Personality DIsorder which comes with even greater repercussions. Treatment can include therapies such as family therapy, CBT, DBT, and parent-management therapies. Medications can help address substance use, depression, anxiety, irritability, ADHD, etc.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) | Temper Outbursts and Irritability
Children with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) exhibit severe and recurrent temper outbursts that are grossly out of proportion to the situation and the child’s developmental stage. Children with DMDD often exhibit irritability and anger between outbursts, leading to significant impairment in social, academic, and family functioning.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder Treatment
The psychiatrists and providers at A Better Day Psychiatry are knowledgeable about treating Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder. Similar to the treatments for ODD and CD above, DMDD is best managed through a combination of medications and therapy and taking a multi-modal approach. It is important to address DMDD early as it may lead to greater risk of anxiety and depression later in life if left untreated.
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) | Impulsive Acts of Aggression
Children with Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) display recurrent, problematic outbursts of aggression or verbal or physical violence that are out of proportion to the situation. Individuals with IED may undergo episodes of intense anger, resulting in impulsive aggression towards others or property, often triggered by minor irritations. This can severely affect relationships, social functioning, and overall well-being.
Intermittent Explosive Disorder Treatment
A Better Day Psychiatry provides intermittent explosive disorder treatment for children and adolescents in Denver, Lakewood, Golden, and surrounding areas. The mainstays of treatment include therapies including individual and family therapies with CBT as a foundation. For IED, as needed medications such as Hydroxyzine may play a larger roll given the intermittent nature of the outbursts. If there is additional underlying depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc. (which frequently co-occur with IED), then following the typical medication management for these disorders is advised.
Treating Child Behavioral Problems at A Better Day Psychiatry
At A Better Day Psychiatry, we can help manage and stop behavioral problems and get your child back on track. Schedule with a provider today.