BEHAVIOURAL ISSUES

Professional Clinical Social Worker

How Can We Help?

Behavioral Issues

As much as parents wish they did—kids simply don’t come with instruction manuals. Just like adults, children can experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma. 

Behavioral issues can be troublesome for both children and their parents. It’s normal for children to go through defiant phases as they grow, but they must still learn which rules and boundaries they can challenge—and which ones they can’t. If behavioral issues are interfering with a child’s performance at school, or their relationships with friends/family, it’s time to seek help.

Children often act out because of an unmet need, such as needing attention, not knowing what they’re supposed to do in a situation, or not knowing how to identify/express their emotions. Physical health concerns may also lead to behavioral issues.

Common Behavioral Issues in Children

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A child with ADHD may struggle with:

  • Impulse control
  • Feeling restless
  • Talking too much
  • Inattentiveness
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Blurting out answers
  • Organzation
  • Impatience
  • Starting difficult tasks

ADHD is not unique to children—many adults and teens also struggle with ADHD as well. Symptoms often look different from patient to patient. Not all patients experience the ‘running around uncontrollably’ hyperactivity of ADHD.

ADHD treatment includes a variety of tools and techniques, such as: medication* and/or behavior support; creating supportive structure or modifications at home/school; working with parents.

*Medication is not provided at Grace Therapy.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

Symptoms of DMDD can include:

  • Extreme ongoing anger
  • Irritability
  • Frequent and/or intense outbursts
  • Significant problems at home, at school, or with peers

While anyone can be irritable or angry at times, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is characterized by extended or extreme periods of intense mood. Children with DMDD tend to have higher rates of health care service use, hospitalization, school suspension, or disciplinary problems. They may also be at a higher risk of developing other mood-related disorders.

DMDD is a relatively new diagnosis. At Grace Therapy, our treatment for DMDD includes a collective approach to mood regulation.

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: we help children and adolescents connect their automatic thoughts to their feelings and behavior. This is intended to help them learn to challenge, cope with, and reframe their thoughts/feelings/behavior.
  • Dialectical behavior therapy: we help children learn to balance their emotional and intellectual mind (also known as WISE mind). This will help them learn to regulate emotions and avoid extreme/prolonged outbursts.

Other Disruptive Disorders

Other disruptive or behavioral disorders common in children include Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and/or Intermittent Explosive Disorder.

Many children are typically learning how to regulate their emotions and behavior. However, if they are having a significantly difficult time learning this skill, it can cause disruption in their home, at school, or in other environments. A diagnosis typically occurs if the child’s behavior is severe enough to violate the rights/safety of others, or if it’s causing serious conflict with rules or authority figures.

Symptoms of disruptive disorders include:

  • Frequent temper tantrums
  • Angry outbursts and irritability
  • Argumentativeness and defiance
  • Threatening or aggressive behavior
  • Destruction of property
  • Theft
  • Serious rule violations

How Does Therapy Help?

At Grace Therapy, we work directly with children and their families to help develop new behavioral strategies. Our treatment methods may include PCIT (parent modification strategies), exposure therapy, DBT, working on communication and/or parenting skills, and anger management work. We strive to develop treatment plans that are tailored to each individual patient, and include the family whenever possible.

Get In Touch

Grace Therapy PC

15 State Street
Council Bluffs, IA 51503

(402) 679-2611

By Appointments only –

Weekend and Evening Availability 

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