Behavioural Disorders

What are Behavioral Disorders?

Behavioral disorders are a group of illnesses that involve changes in how a person thinks, acts, and feels that disrupt their ability to navigate daily life. Common symptoms of behavioral disorders may include feeling frequently angry, isolated, irritable, or distressed, exhibiting frequent outbursts of rage, or having difficulty in social and academic settings. Though it is not uncommon for people to experience any of these symptoms at times, these issues become a disorder when they start to significantly disrupt a person’s quality of life.

Types of Behavioral Disorders

Behavioral Disorders can be divided into different types. The most common types are:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - ADHD is a disorder that affects a person’s focus, attention, and the ability to control impulses. People with ADHD often have difficulty regulating their behavior and emotions.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - ASD is a disorder that affects a person’s social communication, behavior, and activities. People with ASD can experience difficulty with understanding social cues, forming relationships, and engaging in everyday activities.
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) - ODD is a disorder that involves a pattern of defiant, disobedient, or hostile behavior. People with ODD often refuse to follow rules and have difficulties controlling their outbursts.
• Conduct Disorder (CD) - CD is a disorder that involves a pattern of violating the rights of other people or breaking the law. People with CD often engage in aggression and bullying and have difficulty controlling their impulses and emotions.

Treatment for Behavioral Disorders

Treatment for behavioral disorders typically involve a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Medication is often prescribed to help manage symptoms such as depression or anxiety. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, or family therapy to help people develop skills to better manage their behaviors. Lifestyle changes such as exercise, a healthy diet, and plenty of sleep can also be beneficial in managing symptoms.