Behavioural Issues in Children and Adolescents

 

Behavioural issues in children and adolescents can often be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition. Understanding what this may be requires professional assessment so that you can find the right treatment and support that works to create the best outcome for you and your child.

 

Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Children and Teenagers

If you have noticed that your child or teenager has a behavioural problem or if you have been advised to seek help for your child because there is concern that they may have ODD - Oppositional Defiant Disorder – we will be able to help.

 

What is ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder)?

ODD is a behavioural disorder and most commonly diagnosed in the under 10’s. ODD is a term used to describe children who display pervasive anger, irritability and seemingly cruel or vindictive behaviours which cause a significant impact on the young person’s life.

Symptoms of ODD

There are several common symptoms that indicate your child may have ODD. These can be considered to fall within three categories.

 

1) Irritability

    Losing their temper

    Being easily annoyed or overly touchy

    Often being angry / having tantrums or meltdowns

 

2) Hurtful behaviour

    Deliberately annoying others / winding people up

    Blaming others for their mistakes

    Showing spiteful or vindictive behaviours

 

3) Being Headstrong

    Defying requests made by adults

    Arguing with people in authority/adults

 

 

Whilst all children will, at some stage, display some or all of the above behaviours (it’s a natural part of growing up), to meet the diagnostic criteria for ODD, a child or teenager needs to display these behaviours for 6 months or more.

 

Some children will display these behavioural signs daily, others on a weekly basis – what is important for the ODD diagnosis is that the behaviours persist and happen frequently (weekly as a minimum is a good guide). Another key element of the diagnosis of ODD is the degree of impact these behaviours have on the child’s life.

 

Some children with ODD will only display these behaviours in one setting – which is normally the home environment. This is because it is at home that they are most likely to achieve the desired outcome – often these behaviours are less prevalent at school because things are more out of their control.

 

Children with severe ODD will behave in these ways in a variety of settings and with a higher frequency.

 

Seeking help for ODD

We know that early intervention is the most effective way of preventing the behaviours of ODD from escalating. Many parents hope their child’s behaviour is just a phase or might be reluctant to seek help because of shame or embarrassment; however behavioural problems are very common, and treatment can make a real difference to your child’s life.

 

The benefits of seeking help for ODD:

 

Prevent future problems - we know that children who have behavioural difficulties in childhood are more likely to have a mood or anxiety disorder later in life. For instance, children who display signs of defiance and vindictiveness are more likely to have conduct disorder later on in life.

Increase understanding - getting an assessment early will help parents understand what the best treatment is for their child and how to prevent future issues from escalating. You will be able to share this information with the child’s school which will help teachers know best how to support your child.

Improve family life - we know from helping thousands of families whose children have behavioural issues like ODD, that behavioural problems can play a real toll on family life.

 

Marital discord (and even breakdown), constant arguments and tension within the home, poor parent-child relationships and in some cases, an inability to carry out normal family life (such as attending family events, birthday parties, shopping trips or days out) can all be a result of a child who has a conduct disorder or ODD.

Your child’s future - there can be serious consequences for the child who has ODD. Some children will grow out of the behaviours as they mature, but some will go on to develop a condition like antisocial personality disorder as an adult, which can have a real impact on their ability to hold down a job, relationship or even mean they are more likely to engage in criminal activity.

Your child’s mental health - we also know that around 50% of children with ODD will also have another mental health condition. The most common of these is ADHD, however depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety are also reasons why your child may have ODD. Treating the underlying condition can help with your child’s behaviour.

What help is available for children and teenagers with ODD?

Assessment of ODD

 

It can be difficult to know if your child has ODD or another mental health condition that is causing their behavioural problems.

 

A Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist is the best person to assess your child and will spend time understanding if there are other underlying conditions.

 

As they are experts in child mental health, they will be able to formulate an effective treatment plan, which can significantly improve things for both your child and your whole family.

 

It might seem a bit scary getting a diagnosis, many of us are loathe to ‘label’ our children – however, we hear from parents every day who describe huge relief at having an explanation for their child’s behaviour and recommendations on how to help their child going forward.

 

A diagnosis can, therefore, be incredibly helpful in terms of both increased understanding, but also an ability to communicate to others why their child behaves as they do – which can ensure that children have the necessary provision put in place at school.

 

Family therapy and parenting skills training

It can be incredibly stressful for the whole family if you have a child who has behavioural issues. Your daily family life may be rife with arguments, confrontations and stress. Siblings can often suffer when one child has specific behavioural issues; marriages are often placed under huge amounts of stress and marital discord can make your child’s behaviours worse as they may feel they are to blame - but still not know how to stop.

 

Evidence has shown that family therapy and parenting support can help tackle and reduce disruptive or problem behaviours and are often based around how parents behave immediately after their child’s aggressive behaviour.

 

With the help of a parenting coach, therapist, family therapist or psychologist you will learn:

 

• Praising appropriate behaviour
• Effective communication
• How to ignore the problem, attention seeking behaviours
• How to behave consistently with regards to consequences
• How to embed and support the skills your child is learning from their therapy
• Attending sessions as a couple can often be hugely powerful and ensure there is a ‘united’ from at home. This can take a great deal of pressure off the family and give everyone the space they need to help the child affected.

 

Causes of behavioural problems

One of the questions we get asked most is “Why does my child behave like this?” – it is perfectly understandable to want to understand what might be causing the behavioural issues and therefore, how to support your child. We can help.

 

Behaviour problems are common

There is no one cause for behavioural problems such as ODD oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorders. Your child’s behaviour is a complex relationship between many different elements.

 

We know that behavioural concerns are very common (about 8% of teenage boys have behavioural problems, 5% of under tens) but the reasons for this aren’t always clear.

 

As a parent, this can be incredibly frustrating and it’s normal to feel worried, stressed, embarrassed or even shamed by your child’s behaviour. You might feel like you are a bad parent or can’t control your child and be worried about what other people think about you. Although understandable, these thoughts are rarely justified: behavioural disorders have complex causes.

 

Causes of behavioural issues

There are often several factors that can be responsible for why a child or teenager behaves in a certain way, including:

 

Genetic factors – we know that some children are more inclined toward behavioural problems because of their genetic make-up. A family history of mental disorders can increase this risk.

Other mental health conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, depression and anxiety are often accompanied by behavioural problems, such as shyness, anger or school avoidance.

Physical issues - damage to certain parts of the brain can result in a child being unable to control some of their tendencies or being more inclined to aggression.

Bullying or difficulties at school can result in a child ‘acting out’ with aggressive or violent behaviours as a way of them dealing with their experiences at school.

Issues within the home, such as parental discord, family bereavements or illnesses and parental mental health issues can mean children and teenagers develop behavioural problems.

Difficulties learning acceptable behaviours from others (which can be because of Learning Difficulties or language problems) can make it hard for children to learn socially appropriate behaviours.

If your child has experienced trauma or abuse, even at an early age, they may be more likely to develop behavioural problems.

Alcohol and drug usage can trigger behavioural issues within children. Parents aren’t always aware their child is using drugs or alcohol, but research has shown the use of substances like cannabis can have a significant impact on your child’s behaviour.

How to help your child or teenager

Research has shown that early intervention is key to getting effective support and treatment for your child or teenager. About 70% of children with a mental health problem don’t get the right help at the right time – this can mean that the issues grow worse or develop into something more severe.

 

The reasons for not getting help early enough are often that parents feel their child will grow out of the phase, that it is a normal part of development or because they feel shame or embarrassment about their child’s behaviour.

 

Conduct Disorders in Children and Teenagers

If you are concerned that your child may have a Conduct Disorder or if your school or GP has suggested that there could be an issue, then we can help you.

 

What is a Conduct Disorder?

Conduct disorders are repetitive and persistent patterns of behaving, where the young person behaves in ways which go against social norms and that are not in line with normal behaviours for the age of the child.

 

Children and teenagers with a conduct disorder may get gratification out of hurting someone else, lying or stealing. Conduct disorders can be difficult to diagnose, as some of these troublesome behaviours can be a result of environmental factors or other mental health conditions

 

It’s hard for parents to know what is normal for their child and what is a sign there might be an underlying problem. We speak to hundreds of parents each year who aren’t sure where to turn to help their child or teenager with a suspected conduct disorder – speaking to an expert in the field gives parents much needed support and advice and can ensure that their child receives the right help or treatment.

 

Symptoms of Conduct Disorders

There are several common symptoms that indicate your child may have a conduct disorder.

 

The symptoms of Conduct Disorders include:

 

• Bullying, threatening and intimidating others
• Getting into physical fights
• Running away from home and/or not coming home at night
• Using a weapon or something that could do harm to someone
• Being physically cruel to others or animals
• Stealing from others
• Breaking into properties or cars
• Forcing others into sexual acts
• Damaging others property
• Arson or setting fires
• Lying to “con”
• Playing truant from school

Children and teenagers with a conduct disorder may show all or some of the above. Some, although by no means all, young people with conduct disorder show no (genuine) remorse or guilt for their actions and even seem to get a ‘kick’ out of their actions or feel justified in their behaviours.

 

Seeking help for a Conduct Disorder

 

We know that early intervention is the most effective way of preventing the behaviours associated with a conduct disorder from escalating.

 

Many parents hope their child or teen’s behaviour is just a phase. Parents may hold back from seeking help because of shame or embarrassment; however behavioural problems are very common, and treatment can make a real difference.

 

The benefits of seeking help for conduct disorder:

 

Impact on family life - having a child who has a conduct disorder can be incredibly stressful for the whole family – arguments between family members may be a daily event and parents are often at a complete loss of what they should do. It is particularly difficult if your teenager is increasingly independent or if you fear that they could hurt you or someone else in the family if you intervene.

However, help is available and with the right help, your teenager’s behaviour issues can get better.

Impact on your child’s future - we know that children and teenagers who have a conduct disorder are more at risk of developing conditions such as antisocial personality disorder as an adult.

Risky behaviours - we also know that the risky behaviours that many with conduct disorder engage in can be extremely dangerous. Seeking help early is therefore key.

Your child’s mental health - other mental health conditions such as ADHD, despression, Autism and anxiety are common in those with conduct disorder. A comprehensive assessment of the issues your child or teenager is experiencing is, therefore, the first step to knowing what is causing their behaviour.

Seeking help from a professional who understands conduct disorders and can carry out a thorough assessment to understand the issues and causes for the behaviour is the first step to getting the right help in place for your whole family.

What help is available for conduct disorders in children and teenagers?

Assessment

It can be difficult to know if your child has a conduct disorder or another mental health condition that is causing their behavioural problems.

 

A Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist is the best person to assess your child and will spend time ruling out other conditions. As they are experts in child mental health, they will be able to formulate an effective treatment plan, which can significantly improve things for both your child and your whole family.

 

It might seem a bit scary getting a diagnosis, many of us are loathe to ‘label’ our children – however we hear from parents every day who describe huge relief at having a reason for their child or teenagers’ behaviour and have found it incredibly helpful in terms of both the understanding this has led to, but also their ability to communicate to others why their child behaves as they do.

Parent/foster care training programmes

Parenting programmes are recommended for parents, children and young people aged between 3 and 11 years who have been diagnosed (or have a high risk of developing) conduct disorders.

Child-focused programmes and therapy

Group and individual social and cognitive problem-solving programmes are recommended for children aged 9-14 who have been diagnosed (or have a high risk of developing) conduct disorders.

Medication

In some cases, medication can be hugely effective for other conditions that frequently accompany conduct disorders, although medication is not used for conduct disorder itself.

For children with ADHD (which is often undiagnosed and put down to ‘bad behaviour’), stimulant medication can have a significant impact on the child’s ability to concentrate and feel less frustrated. There are some medications that can be used effectively for other conditions, such as atypical antipsychotics that can reduce a child’s aggression and can be useful to help a child be able to fully engage in their behavioural therapy.

 

Causes of behavioural problems

One of the questions we get asked most is “Why does my child behave like this?” – it is perfectly understandable to want to understand what might be causing the behavioural issues and therefore, how to support your child. We can help.

 

Behaviour problems are common

There is no one cause for behavioural problems such as ODD (oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder. Your child’s behaviour is a complex relationship between many different elements.

 

We know that behavioural concerns are very common (about 8% of teenage boys have behavioural problems, 5% of under tens) but the reasons for this aren’t always clear.

 

As a parent, this can be incredibly frustrating and it’s normal to feel worried, stressed, embarrassed or even shamed by your child’s behaviour. You might feel like you are a bad parent or can’t control your child and be worried about what other people think about you. Although understandable, these thoughts are rarely justified: behavioural disorders have complex causes.

 

Causes of behavioural issues

There are often several factors that can be responsible for why a child or teenager behaves in a certain way, including:

 

Genetic factors – we know that some children are more inclined toward behavioural problems because of their genetic make-up. A family history of mental disorders can increase this risk.

Other mental health conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, depression and anxiety are often accompanied by behavioural problems, such as shyness, anger or school avoidance.

Physical issues - damage to certain parts of the brain can result in a child being unable to control some of their tendencies or being more inclined to aggression.

Bullying or difficulties at school can result in a child ‘acting out’ with aggressive or violent behaviours as a way of them dealing with their experiences at school.

Issues within the home, such as parental discord, family bereavements or illnesses and parental mental health issues can mean children and teenagers develop behavioural problems.

Difficulties learning acceptable behaviours from others (which can be because of Learning Difficulties or language problems) can make it hard for children to learn socially appropriate behaviours.

If your child has experienced trauma or abuse, even at an early age, they may be more likely to develop behavioural problems.

Alcohol and drug usage can trigger behavioural issues within children. Parents aren’t always aware their child is using drugs or alcohol, but research has shown the use of substances like cannabis can have a significant impact on your child’s behaviour.

How to help your child or teenager

Research has shown that early intervention is key to getting effective support and treatment for your child or teenager. About 70% of children with a mental health problem don’t get the right help at the right time – this can mean that the issues grow worse or develop into something more severe.

 

The reasons for not getting help early enough are often that parents feel their child will grow out of the phase, that it is a normal part of development or because they feel shame or embarrassment about their child’s behaviour.

 

Family therapy and parenting skills training

It can be incredibly stressful for the whole family if you have a child who has behavioural issues. Your daily family life may be rife with arguments, confrontations and stress. Siblings can often suffer when one child has specific behavioural issues; marriages are often placed under huge amounts of stress and marital discord can make your child’s behaviours worse as they may feel they are to blame - but still not know how to stop.

 

Evidence has shown that family therapy and parenting support can help tackle and reduce disruptive or problem behaviours and are often based around how parents behave immediately after their child’s aggressive behaviour.

 

With the help of a parenting coach, therapist, family therapist or psychologist you will learn:

 

• Praising appropriate behaviour
• Effective communication
• How to ignore the problem, attention seeking behaviours
• How to behave consistently with regards to consequences
• How to embed and support the skills your child is learning from their therapy

Attending sessions as a couple can often be hugely powerful and ensure there is a ‘united’ from at home. This can take a great deal of pressure off the family and give everyone the space they need to help the child affected.

 

Anger, Aggression and Violence in Children and Teenagers

If you have a child or teenager who is angry, aggressive or even violent, it can be extremely worrying as a parent, but not always clear how to get help.

 

Our team of behavioural experts help thousands of families, just like yours, every year, either face-to-face or online.

 

There can be many reasons why children or teenagers can have problems with anger, aggression or violence.

Causes of anger, aggression and tantrums in young children

For young children, anger and aggression can be caused by difficulties at school, in their home life or with friends. Bullying, social pressures and difficulties in the home can all be incredibly stressful for children, causing them to ‘act out’ with explosions of anger.

Aggression can also be a sign of a condition such as ADHD, depression or anxiety or another complex emotional or mental health issue.

Younger children often don’t have the right words to explain their emotions. They may find it difficult to talk about how they feel, and anger or aggression is a way of them to communicate this.

Children have to learn how to self-regulate their emotions and calm down and this takes time. Anger and aggressive behaviour can, therefore, be a result of not being able to catch strong emotions before they bubble over.

 

Causes of anger, aggression and violence in teenagers

The teenage years are a time of huge changes to the brain – for instance, part of the brain – the pre-frontal cortex - undergoes a significant amount of rewiring during adolescence. This part of the brain is responsible for decision-making, social behaviour and personality expression, amongst other things so growth here can lead to teenagers acting in unusual ways.

 

Rapid development and ‘rewiring’ in the pre-frontal cortex may lag behind the development of the “limbic system” – the part of the brain where chemicals responsible for alertness, pleasure and risk-taking lie. The result may be more impulsive behaviour, angry outbursts and a difficulty in empathising with others.

An important stage of teenage life is developing a sense of identity. One way of doing this is for teens to challenge and push the boundaries and rules they have worked to previously as children.

Difficulties at school, home or with friends can also lead to angry or aggressive behaviour – children who are being bullied or feel stressed may lash out at those closest – often parents. Teens may not know how to communicate these feelings in a more measured approach.

ADHD, Autism and conditions such as depression or anxiety can also lead teenagers to have angry outbursts or be violent towards others.

 

 

When should you seek help for your child’s anger?

We get asked this question by many parents – after all, we know that tantrums are normal in young children and that the stereotypical teenager is often ‘moody’. So, when does normal behaviour become a problem that needs professional help?

 

Just as there is no instruction manual to parenting, there is no definitive list of when you should seek help for your child’s behaviour – it really does depend on what is normal for your child and how severe their behaviours are.

 

An important consideration is whether or not the behaviour leads to a significant impact on the young person’s life, be it at home, at school, with friends or with after-school activities.

 

 

Studies have shown that children who display continued angry or aggressive behaviours may go on to have difficulties in adulthood. Childhood anger and aggression can also be a sign of another mental health condition, such as ADHD, depression or anxiety.

 

 

The following are some ‘red-flag’ warnings and if you perceive your child’s behaviour or aggression to be an issue, we would advise talking to a child behavioural specialist. If nothing else, they may put your mind at rest.

 

Behaviour red flags

• Risky behaviours and activities that pose a danger to them or others
• Violent behaviours such as fighting, carrying knives or planning attacks
• Behaviours that are out of the norm or different for your child – this may include becoming socially withdrawn, teary, not enjoying activities they used to or not enjoying life
• Getting involved in illegal activities such as stealing, alcohol or drug taking
• Concerns raised by their school, for instance, fighting, not engaging in class, not doing homework or playing truant
• Refusing to comply with reasonable requests or boundaries.

Treating anger, aggression and violence

Depending on your child’s circumstances, you may want to consider a Psychiatric assessment for your child. If your child is displaying signs of anxiety, depression, self-harm or ADHD, a full and comprehensive assessment with an expert in Child and Adolescent mental health will identify any issues present and determine the most effective treatment plan.

Psychological Therapy -  can be hugely helpful for children (even young ones) and teenagers to manage their emotions more effectively. Just as adults go through stressful or difficult times, so do children and often having someone to talk to, who they feel safe with, can make a huge difference in how they behave.

Parenting Support can also be incredibly useful for parents of children and teenagers who have behavioural problems. Not only does it allow parents to talk to a professional about their experiences, but parents will learn more effective ways of managing difficult times and preventing crises from occurring.

Treating behavioural issues

There are many different, highly effective, treatment options available for children and young people who are struggling with their behaviour.

 

Assessment

One of the most useful first steps is to understand more about the issues that your child is struggling with. We know that behavioural difficulties, such as aggressive or defiant behaviour, can often be a way a child or teenager communicates difficulties they are having in another area of their life – for instance, issues at school or with their self-esteem.

 

It’s also very common for children who display signs of anger to have an underlying condition, like ADHD, depression or anxiety. Some studies indicate that as many as 40% of children with behavioural issues will have ADHD.

 

An assessment with a child and adolescent psychiatrist will identify if there is an underlying cause for the behaviour and will also identify the best treatment route.

 

Medication

Certain medications can be useful for helping children and teenagers manage their anger or aggression issues, for instance:

 

If the underlying problem is ADHD, stimulant medication can be highly effective. There is a great deal of evidence showing that these stimulant medications increase levels of certain key chemicals in the brain (dopamine and norepinephrine) which allows the brain to function in a different way and helps the child’s behaviour – commonly increasing their ability to concentrate and decreasing their levels of hyperactivity.

If the underlying condition is autism, there is evidence that atypical antipsychotics, such as Risperidone, may reduce severe aggression by acting on the dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters.

Medication is typically seen as a treatment of last resort for excessive anger in autism, and the advantages should be carefully weighed against the risk of side effects, but nonetheless, for some families, having medication to help their child’s aggression is a lifeline.

There are other medications that can be useful in helping a child or teenager manage their behaviours and reduce their aggression. More often than not, a talking therapy will be recommended alongside medication - the medication can often help the child engage more fully in their therapy.

 

Talking therapy

Your child or teenager may benefit from having some time with a therapist or psychologist who will be able to work through any emotional or behavioural issues that your child has.

 

Children won’t always feel comfortable talking to their parents, but will often open up to a therapist.

 

CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) in particular has been shown to be effective at helping a child or teenager:

 

Regulate excessive anger

Learn social problem-solving strategies

Develop alternative social skills (other than anger)

Talking therapies are often the most preferred option for treating behavioural issues – not only are they the safest options (many medications have side effects) but the skills your child or teen will learn from therapy will last them a lifetime and are a real investment in their future.

Family therapy and parenting skills training

It can be incredibly stressful for the whole family if you have a child who has behavioural issues. Your daily family life may be rife with arguments, confrontations and stress. Siblings can often suffer when one child has specific behavioural issues; marriages are often placed under huge amounts of stress and marital discord can make your child’s behaviours worse as they may feel they are to blame - but still not know how to stop.

 

Evidence has shown that family therapy and parenting support can help tackle and reduce disruptive or problem behaviours and are often based around how parents behave immediately after their child’s aggressive behaviour.

 

With the help of a parenting coach, therapist, family therapist or psychologist you will learn:

 

• Praising appropriate behaviour
• Effective communication
• How to ignore the problem, attention seeking behaviours
• How to behave consistently with regards to consequences
• How to embed and support the skills your child is learning from their therapy

Attending sessions as a couple can often be hugely powerful and ensure there is a ‘united’ from at home. This can take a great deal of pressure off the family and give everyone the space they need to help the child affected.

 

School Refusal

If you are concerned that your child may be struggling with School Refusal or School Phobia then Clinical Partners will be able to help you.

 

What is School Refusal?

Most commonly affecting those aged 5-6 and 10-11 years old, school refusal is a reluctance or refusal to go to school, accompanied with real emotional distress for the child.

In younger children, school avoidance or refusal may be due to separation anxiety. In older children, social anxiety is more often the underlying cause. School refusal is different to truancy – often children who are school refusers want to attend (whereas those who play truant often have a very strong dislike for school).

 

Symptoms of School Refusal

The following are common signs that your child may be struggling with school refusal.

 

• Frequent complaints of feeling ill (often in the morning and disappearing later in the day)
• Frequent calls from school informing you your child is ill or upset
• Your child frequently visits the school nurse
• Temper tantrums/outbursts in the morning or Sunday nights
• Crying and tearfulness
• Pleading or begging you to let them stay at home
• Truancy or lateness to lessons
• Distress when dropping the child at school
• Causes of school refusal

There is no one reason as to why your child may refuse to go to school – often it is a combination of several factors.

 

Transition at school – moving into a new school year, going back to school after a long holiday or following an illness and moving to a new school can all increase the risk of school refusal.

Anxiety about performance at school – for instance, worries about academic or sporting performance can increase the chance of school refusal.

Bullying - if your child is being bullied or experiencing social difficulties, such as friendship problems, they may be more likely to develop school refusal.

Mental health conditions - such as depression, anxiety and social anxiety can increase your child’s risk of school refusal.

Concerns about others - a child who is worried about a family member, perhaps because of an illness or bereavement, may show signs of school refusal

What help is available for children who have School Refusal?

The first step many families take is to get a comprehensive assessment by a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. This helps to understand if mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression are present.

 

Often children who have school refusal also struggle with anxiety disorders - it’s important to know this so the right treatment option can be found.

 

CBT and other psychological therapies can be really effective at helping children overcome their fears. Our Psychologists and Psychotherapists are experienced in helping children with school-related issues, so understand the complexities well.

 

Parenting Support can be invaluable in teaching parents the best way of handling difficult situations in a way that will support your child’s progress. It also gives parents a space to talk to a child behavioural expert about their experiences and frustrations – it can be very hard to talk to family and friends honestly about what is happening in your family.

Treating behavioural issues

There are many different, highly effective, treatment options available for children and young people who are struggling with their behaviour.

Assessment

One of the most useful first steps is to understand more about the issues that your child is struggling with. We know that behavioural difficulties, such as aggressive or defiant behaviour, can often be a way a child or teenager communicates difficulties they are having in another area of their life – for instance, issues at school or with their self-esteem.

 

It’s also very common for children who display signs of anger to have an underlying condition, like ADHD, depression or anxiety. Some studies indicate that as many as 40% of children with behavioural issues will have ADHD.

 

An assessment with a child and adolescent psychiatrist will identify if there is an underlying cause for the behaviour and will also identify the best treatment route.

 

Medication

Certain medications can be useful for helping children and teenagers manage their anger or aggression issues, for instance:

 

If the underlying problem is ADHD, stimulant medication can be highly effective. There is a great deal of evidence showing that these stimulant medications increase levels of certain key chemicals in the brain (dopamine and norepinephrine) which allows the brain to function in a different way and helps the child’s behaviour – commonly increasing their ability to concentrate and decreasing their levels of hyperactivity.

If the underlying condition is autism, there is evidence that atypical antipsychotics, such as Risperidone, may reduce severe aggression by acting on the dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters.

Medication is typically seen as a treatment of last resort for excessive anger in autism, and the advantages should be carefully weighed against the risk of side effects, but nonetheless, for some families, having medication to help their child’s aggression is a lifeline.

There are other medications that can be useful in helping a child or teenager manage their behaviours and reduce their aggression. More often than not, a talking therapy will be recommended alongside medication - the medication can often help the child engage more fully in their therapy.

 

Talking therapy

Your child or teenager may benefit from having some time with a therapist or psychologist who will be able to work through any emotional or behavioural issues that your child has.

 

Children won’t always feel comfortable talking to their parents, but will often open up to a therapist.

 

CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) in particular has been shown to be effective at helping a child or teenager1:

 

• Regulate excessive anger
• Learn social problem-solving strategies
• Develop alternative social skills (other than anger)

Talking therapies are often the most preferred option for treating behavioural issues – not only are they the safest options (many medications have side effects) but the skills your child or teen will learn from therapy will last them a lifetime and are a real investment in their future.

 

Family therapy and parenting skills training

It can be incredibly stressful for the whole family if you have a child who has behavioural issues. Your daily family life may be rife with arguments, confrontations and stress. Siblings can often suffer when one child has specific behavioural issues; marriages are often placed under huge amounts of stress and marital discord can make your child’s behaviours worse as they may feel they are to blame - but still not know how to stop.

 

Evidence has shown that family therapy and parenting support can help tackle and reduce disruptive or problem behaviours and are often based around how parents behave immediately after their child’s aggressive behaviour.

 

With the help of a parenting coach, therapist, family therapist or psychologist you will learn:

• Praising appropriate behaviour
• Effective communication
• How to ignore the problem, attention seeking behaviours
• How to behave consistently with regards to consequences
• How to embed and support the skills your child is learning from their therapy

Attending sessions as a couple can often be hugely powerful and ensure there is a ‘united’ from at home. This can take a great deal of pressure off the family and give everyone the space they need to help the child affected.

 

Causes of behavioural problems

One of the questions we get asked most is “Why does my child behave like this?” – it is perfectly understandable to want to understand what might be causing the behavioural issues and therefore, how to support your child. We can help.

 

Behaviour problems are common

There is no one cause for behavioural problems such as ODD (oppositional defiant disorder) or conduct disorders. Your child’s behaviour is a complex relationship between many different elements.

 

We know that behavioural concerns are very common (about 8% of teenage boys have behavioural problems, 5% of under tens) but the reasons for this aren’t always clear.

 

As a parent, this can be incredibly frustrating and it’s normal to feel worried, stressed, embarrassed or even shamed by your child’s behaviour. You might feel like you are a bad parent or can’t control your child and be worried about what other people think about you. Although understandable, these thoughts are rarely justified: behavioural disorders have complex causes.

 

Causes of behavioural issues

There are often several factors that can be responsible for why a child or teenager behaves in a certain way, including:

 

Genetic factors – we know that some children are more inclined toward behavioural problems because of their genetic make-up. A family history of mental disorders can increase this risk.

Other mental health conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, depression and anxiety are often accompanied by behavioural problems, such as shyness, anger or school avoidancde.

Physical issues - damage to certain parts of the brain can result in a child being unable to control some of their tendencies or being more inclined to aggression.

Bullying or difficulties at school can result in a child ‘acting out’ with aggressive or violent behaviours as a way of them dealing with their experiences at school.

Issues within the home, such as parental discord, family bereavements or illnesses and parental mental health issues can mean children and teenagers develop behavioural problems.

Difficulties learning acceptable behaviours from others (which can be because of Learning Difficulties or language problems) can make it hard for children to learn socially appropriate behaviours.

If your child has experienced trauma or abuse, even at an early age, they may be more likely to develop behavioural problems.

Alcohol and drug usage can trigger behavioural issues within children. Parents aren’t always aware their child is using drugs or alcohol, but research has shown the use of substances like cannabis can have a significant impact on your child’s behaviour.

 

 

How to help your child or teenager

Research has shown that early intervention is key to getting effective support and treatment for your child or teenager. About 70% of children with a mental health problem don’t get the right help at the right time – this can mean that the issues grow worse or develop into something more severe.

 

The reasons for not getting help early enough are often that parents feel their child will grow out of the phase, that it is a normal part of development or because they feel shame or embarrassment about their child’s behaviour.

 

Gaming addiction

Although internet gaming addiction is not recognised as a formal diagnosis yet, it is an area that has raised a great deal of interest for mental health professionals. For families who have a child or teenager who appears addicted to online gaming, it can often be difficult to find the right support and treatment.

 

What is a gaming addiction?

A gaming addiction, much like a gambling addiction, is a behavioural condition in which a person’s everyday life is significantly affected by a compulsive use of internet-based games or games consoles.

 

Behavioural addictions such as a gaming addiction are usually caused by several factors, but the main reason in the case of video games is that they are designed to be addictive.

Video games often offer rewards that may seem particularly hard (but nonetheless possible) to attain and both the anticipation leading up to receiving these ‘rewards’ as well as successfully completing a task, can lead to dopamine being released.

The body remembers the pleasurable feeling of playing the game, caused by the release of dopamine. To relive the positive feelings associated with this surge of dopamine, the individual will want to play the game again and again.

A vicious cycle is created, where the individual needs to play the game more and more in order to get the same ‘buzz’ or gratification as they initially did.

Many online games often have reward systems built into them, that can require players to build up points or skills in order to move on in the game. To achieve these points requires many hours of playing and thus, the player may find they spend more time than planned engaged in the game.

People with gaming addictions often have underlying problems and it is the case that mental health issues often cause gaming addictions rather than the other way around.

 

Gaming addiction: the risks

Most parents worry about their child or teenagers’ use of ‘screen’ time – we live in a society where many of our children may have access to the internet both at school, at home and on the move – so it’s not always possible to know exactly what your child is doing online or how much time they are spending playing online games.

 

Where once we worried about the types of games our children played (and much research has been carried out on the link between playing violent games and the impact it can have on your child’s behaviour1) we might now be more worried about the amount of time they spend gaming.

 

There are several risks associated with a gaming addiction – social, educational, emotional, behavioural and relational. In many ways, a gaming addiction does not differ from an addiction to a substance or gambling and therefore needs to be treated early so that the most effective outcome is found.

 

Gaming addiction can also be a sign that your child has another mental health condition, like depression, Autism or anxiety. The gaming can be used, like any other addiction, to help the individual manage difficult feelings or to ‘escape’.

 

Left untreated, the underlying cause of the gaming addiction can also increase in severity, making it harder to find an effective treatment option.

 

Symptoms of a gaming addiction

Children and teenagers are spending more and more time on the internet or in front of screens than ever before. As parents, it’s impossible to know how much is too much, although a good rule of thumb is to think about the impact it is having on other aspects of your child’s life. Internet usage should only be a small percentage of what they do every day.

 

Here are some of the common signs that your child may have a gaming addiction:

 

• Being preoccupied with gaming
• Talking about their games – unable to talk about anything else
• Lack of interest in other activities they once enjoyed
• ‘Needing’ more gaming time to be satisfied (known as ‘tolerance’ in addiction treatment)
• Making excuses to have more gaming time
• Lying or stealing to access gaming time/resources
• Losing track of time whilst gaming
• Sleeping less
• Secretly gaming
• Agitation or anger issues, particularly if stopped from gaming
• Dreaming about games
• Headaches, muscle aches, repetitive strain injury
• Anxiety or depression if separated from their game
• Poor personal hygiene
• If you recognise 4 or more of the above symptoms in your child or teenager it may be worth seeking some help.
•  

Treatment for gaming addiction

Gaming addiction is just that, an addiction, and should be treated as such. Addictions can seriously harm the way that a person lives their lives and the lives of others around them.

 

Therapies like CBT can be highly effective at breaking the cycle of addiction - by learning to challenge some of the underlying beliefs the child or teenager has about gaming (such as the need to get to a certain level or become the ‘best’) your child can learn better ways of dealing with some of the difficult sensations they may be experiencing.

Through CBT your child will also be able to understand the negative consequences of their gaming addiction and working with a therapist, will be able to build up their self-esteem and confidence to allow them to enjoy other activities again.

The skills your child will learn through a therapy like CBT will last a life time and many can be applied to other areas in their life.

Treating behavioural issues

There are many different, highly effective, treatment options available for children and young people who are struggling with their behaviour.

 

Assessment

One of the most useful first steps is to understand more about the issues that your child is struggling with. We know that behavioural difficulties, such as aggressive or defiant behaviour, can often be a way a child or teenager communicates difficulties they are having in another area of their life – for instance, issues at school or with their self-esteem.

 

It’s also very common for children who display signs of anger to have an underlying condition, like ADHD, depression or anxiety. Some studies indicate that as many as 40% of children with behavioural issues will have ADHD.

 

An assessment with a child and adolescent psychiatrist will identify if there is an underlying cause for the behaviour and will also identify the best treatment route.

 

Medication

Certain medications can be useful for helping children and teenagers manage their anger or aggression issues, for instance:

 

If the underlying problem is ADHD, stimulant medication can be highly effective. There is a great deal of evidence showing that these stimulant medications increase levels of certain key chemicals in the brain (dopamine and norepinephrine) which allows the brain to function in a different way and helps the child’s behaviour – commonly increasing their ability to concentrate and decreasing their levels of hyperactivity.

If the underlying condition is autism, there is evidence that atypical antipsychotics, such as Risperidone, may reduce severe aggression by acting on the dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters.

Medication is typically seen as a treatment of last resort for excessive anger in autism, and the advantages should be carefully weighed against the risk of side effects, but nonetheless, for some families, having medication to help their child’s aggression is a lifeline.

There are other medications that can be useful in helping a child or teenager manage their behaviours and reduce their aggression. More often than not, a talking therapy will be recommended alongside medication - the medication can often help the child engage more fully in their therapy.

Medication

Certain medications can be useful for helping children and teenagers manage their anger or aggression issues, for instance:

 

If the underlying problem is ADHD, stimulant medication can be highly effective. There is a great deal of evidence showing that these stimulant medications increase levels of certain key chemicals in the brain (dopamine and norepinephrine) which allows the brain to function in a different way and helps the child’s behaviour – commonly increasing their ability to concentrate and decreasing their levels of hyperactivity.

If the underlying condition is autism, there is evidence that atypical antipsychotics, such as Risperidone, may reduce severe aggression by acting on the dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters.

Medication is typically seen as a treatment of last resort for excessive anger in autism, and the advantages should be carefully weighed against the risk of side effects, but nonetheless, for some families, having medication to help their child’s aggression is a lifeline.

There are other medications that can be useful in helping a child or teenager manage their behaviours and reduce their aggression. More often than not, a talking therapy will be recommended alongside medication - the medication can often help the child engage more fully in their therapy.

 

Talking therapy

Your child or teenager may benefit from having some time with a therapist or psychologist who will be able to work through any emotional or behavioural issues that your child has.

 

Children won’t always feel comfortable talking to their parents, but will often open up to a therapist.

 

CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) in particular has been shown to be effective at helping a child or teenager:

 

• Regulate excessive anger
• Learn social problem-solving strategies
• Develop alternative social skills (other than anger)

Talking therapies are often the most preferred option for treating behavioural issues – not only are they the safest options (many medications have side effects) but the skills your child or teen will learn from therapy will last them a lifetime and are a real investment in their future.

 

Family therapy and parenting skills training

It can be incredibly stressful for the whole family if you have a child who has behavioural issues. Your daily family life may be rife with arguments, confrontations and stress. Siblings can often suffer when one child has specific behavioural issues; marriages are often placed under huge amounts of stress and marital discord can make your child’s behaviours worse as they may feel they are to blame - but still not know how to stop.

 

Evidence has shown that family therapy and parenting support can help tackle and reduce disruptive or problem behaviours and are often based around how parents behave immediately after their child’s aggressive behaviour.

 

With the help of a parenting coach, therapist, family therapist or psychologist you will learn:

 

• Praising appropriate behaviour
• Effective communication
• How to ignore the problem, attention seeking behaviours
• How to behave consistently with regards to consequences
• How to embed and support the skills your child is learning from their therapy

Attending sessions as a couple can often be hugely powerful and ensure there is a ‘united’ from at home. This can take a great deal of pressure off the family and give everyone the space they need to help the child affected.

 

Causes of behavioural problems

One of the questions we get asked most is “Why does my child behave like this?” – it is perfectly understandable to want to understand what might be causing the behavioural issues and therefore, how to support your child. We can help.

 

Behaviour problems are common

There is no one cause for behavioural problems such as ODD (oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder. Your child’s behaviour is a complex relationship between many different elements.

 

We know that behavioural concerns are very common (about 8% of teenage boys have behavioural problems, 5% of under tens) but the reasons for this aren’t always clear.

 

As a parent, this can be incredibly frustrating and it’s normal to feel worried, stressed, embarrassed or even shamed by your child’s behaviour. You might feel like you are a bad parent or can’t control your child and be worried about what other people think about you. Although understandable, these thoughts are rarely justified: behavioural disorders have complex causes.

 

Causes of behavioural issues

There are often several factors that can be responsible for why a child or teenager behaves in a certain way, including:

 

Genetic factors – we know that some children are more inclined toward behavioural problems because of their genetic make-up. A family history of mental disorders can increase this risk.

Other mental health conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, depression and anxiety are often accompanied by behavioural problems, such as shyness, anger or school avoidance.

Physical issues - damage to certain parts of the brain can result in a child being unable to control some of their tendencies or being more inclined to aggression.

Bullying or difficulties at school can result in a child ‘acting out’ with aggressive or violent behaviours as a way of them dealing with their experiences at school.

Issues within the home, such as parental discord, family bereavements or illnesses and parental mental health issues can mean children and teenagers develop behavioural problems.

Difficulties learning acceptable behaviours from others (which can be because of Learning Difficulties or language problems) can make it hard for children to learn socially appropriate behaviours.

If your child has experienced trauma or abuse, even at an early age, they may be more likely to develop behavioural problems.

Alcohol and drug usage can trigger behavioural issues within children. Parents aren’t always aware their child is using drugs or alcohol, but research has shown the use of substances like cannabis can have a significant impact on your child’s behaviour.

How to help your child or teenager

Research has shown that early intervention is key to getting effective support and treatment for your child or teenager. About 70% of children with a mental health problem don’t get the right help at the right time – this can mean that the issues grow worse or develop into something more severe.

 

The reasons for not getting help early enough are often that parents feel their child will grow out of the phase, that it is a normal part of development or because they feel shame or embarrassment about their child’s behaviour.

 

Drug and Alcohol abuse in teenagers and children

Finding out, or suspecting, your child or teenager has a problem with drugs or alcohol is a very worrying time for parents – not only is it hard to know how best to help your child, but many parents will worry about the long-term impact it will have on their child’s health and wellbeing. We can help.

 

Signs your child or teenager is using drugs or alcohol

The brain undergoes a huge amount of development during adolescence, so using substances like cannabis, legal highs or cocaine can potentially have a greater long-term impact on a teenager than it would for fully developed adults1.

 

The signs that your child or teenager may be using drugs or alcohol will depend on several factors, for instance, what they are using and their own personality.

 

But, if your child is showing some of the following signs and you suspect something isn’t right, it’s always best to check things out – the following signs might be a sign of another disorder like depression or anxiety.

 

Behavioural signs you teenager may be using drugs or alcohol

 

• Truancy from school
• New social group
• Going out more often / staying out late
• Changes to personality
• Hostility or violence towards others
• Secrecy
• Stealing/lying/valuables going missing
• Increased risk to self and others
• Low motivation
• Anxiety and depression
• Paranoia
• Psychosis – hearing voices, hallucinating
• Physical signs your teenager may be using drugs or alcohol
•  
• Bloodshot eyes
• Tiredness and lethargy
• Disturbed sleep
• Loss of coordination
• Memory problems
• Lung complaints
• Finding or smelling drugs/alcohol on them

 

 

Causes of drug & alcohol use in children and teenagers

It’s likely that a combination of factors are the cause of your child or teen’s substance use and these can include:

 

• Experimentation
• Boredom
• Peer pressure
• Exam or school pressure
• Testing boundaries
• Managing difficult emotions/feelings
• Other mental health conditions

Research has shown that there is a strong likelihood that children and teenagers who use drugs and alcohol will have another mental health condition and may be using the substances to help them cope with some of their negative feelings.

 

The most common conditions are behavioural disorders. Up to 50% of young people who have abused drugs will have a conduct disorder (CD) or oppositional definance disorder (ODD), but depression, anxiety, PTSD and ADHD are also common.

 

Studies with twins show that there is a strong hereditary link for drug and alcohol use, some estimate that around 50% of children or teens who use drugs and alcohol will have a close family member with an addiction.

 

It’s common for young people to start by using drugs like cannabis or having the odd drink and then for things to escalate in terms of severity and frequency. We know that addiction is a progressive disease with long-term physical and mental health consequences, so early intervention is crucial to ensuring that things don’t get worse.

 

Treating drug and alcohol issues in children and teenagers

The first step to getting help for your child is an assessment with a child and adolescent psychiatrist, who will be able to determine if there are any other mental health conditions that could also be present.

 

If your child is depressed or has anxiety or ADHD, it may be that dealing with these conditions first will help them reduce their usage. Medication and talking therapies are effective in dealing with a wide variety of conditions.

 

Talking therapies such as CBT and Motivational Interviewing can be helpful for your child – by being able to talk to someone objective about their feelings and experiences, many young people will gain a sense of self-esteem and self-worth that is often lacking in those that turn to drugs or alcohol.

 

No matter what psychological therapies are used, there should typically be a family component to the treatment of substance use disorders in young people. This will allow all the family members to be heard and these sessions can support and embed the principles your child is learning through their individual therapy, into the home unit.

 

Treating behavioural issues

There are many different, highly effective, treatment options available for children and young people who are struggling with their behaviour.

 

Assessment

One of the most useful first steps is to understand more about the issues that your child is struggling with. We know that behavioural difficulties, such as aggressive or defiant behaviour, can often be a way a child or teenager communicates difficulties they are having in another area of their life – for instance, issues at school or with their self-esteem.

 

It’s also very common for children who display signs of anger to have an underlying condition, like ADHD, depression or anxiety. Some studies indicate that as many as 40% of children with behavioural issues will have ADHD.

 

An assessment with a child and adolescent psychiatrist will identify if there is an underlying cause for the behaviour and will also identify the best treatment route.

 

Medication

Certain medications can be useful for helping children and teenagers manage their anger or aggression issues, for instance:

 

If the underlying problem is ADHD, stimulant medication can be highly effective. There is a great deal of evidence showing that these stimulant medications increase levels of certain key chemicals in the brain (dopamine and norepinephrine) which allows the brain to function in a different way and helps the child’s behaviour – commonly increasing their ability to concentrate and decreasing their levels of hyperactivity.

If the underlying condition is autism, there is evidence that atypical antipsychotics, such as Risperidone, may reduce severe aggression by acting on the dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters.

Medication is typically seen as a treatment of last resort for excessive anger in autism, and the advantages should be carefully weighed against the risk of side effects, but nonetheless, for some families, having medication to help their child’s aggression is a lifeline.

There are other medications that can be useful in helping a child or teenager manage their behaviours and reduce their aggression. More often than not, a talking therapy will be recommended alongside medication - the medication can often help the child engage more fully in their therapy.

 

Talking therapy

Your child or teenager may benefit from having some time with a therapist or psychologist who will be able to work through any emotional or behavioural issues that your child has.

 

Children won’t always feel comfortable talking to their parents, but will often open up to a therapist.

 

CBT(Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) in particular has been shown to be effective at helping a child or teenager:

 

• Regulate excessive anger
• Learn social problem-solving strategies
• Develop alternative social skills (other than anger)

Talking therapies are often the most preferred option for treating behavioural issues – not only are they the safest options (many medications have side effects) but the skills your child or teen will learn from therapy will last them a lifetime and are a real investment in their future.

 

Family therapy and parenting skills training

It can be incredibly stressful for the whole family if you have a child who has behavioural issues. Your daily family life may be rife with arguments, confrontations and stress. Siblings can often suffer when one child has specific behavioural issues; marriages are often placed under huge amounts of stress and marital discord can make your child’s behaviours worse as they may feel they are to blame - but still not know how to stop.

 

Evidence has shown that family therapy and parenting support can help tackle and reduce disruptive or problem behaviours and are often based around how parents behave immediately after their child’s aggressive behaviour.

 

With the help of a parenting coach, therapist, family therapist or psychologist you will learn:

 

• Praising appropriate behaviour
• Effective communication
• How to ignore the problem, attention seeking behaviours
• How to behave consistently with regards to consequences
• How to embed and support the skills your child is learning from their therapy
• Attending sessions as a couple can often be hugely powerful and ensure there is a ‘united’ from at home. This can take a great deal of pressure off the family and give everyone the space they need to help the child affected.

 

Causes of behavioural problems

One of the questions we get asked most is “Why does my child behave like this?” – it is perfectly understandable to want to understand what might be causing the behavioural issues and therefore, how to support your child. We can help.

 

Behaviour problems are common

There is no one cause for behavioural problems such as ODD (oppositional definant disorder) or conduct disorder.  Your child’s behaviour is a complex relationship between many different elements.

 

We know that behavioural concerns are very common (about 8% of teenage boys have behavioural problems, 5% of under tens) but the reasons for this aren’t always clear.

 

As a parent, this can be incredibly frustrating and it’s normal to feel worried, stressed, embarrassed or even shamed by your child’s behaviour. You might feel like you are a bad parent or can’t control your child and be worried about what other people think about you. Although understandable, these thoughts are rarely justified: behavioural disorders have complex causes.

 

Causes of behavioural issues

There are often several factors that can be responsible for why a child or teenager behaves in a certain way, including:

 

Genetic factors – we know that some children are more inclined toward behavioural problems because of their genetic make-up. A family history of mental disorders can increase this risk.

Other mental health conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, depression and anxiety are often accompanied by behavioural problems, such as shyness, anger or school avoidance.

Physical issues - damage to certain parts of the brain can result in a child being unable to control some of their tendencies or being more inclined to aggression.

Bullying or difficulties at school can result in a child ‘acting out’ with aggressive or violent behaviours as a way of them dealing with their experiences at school.

Issues within the home, such as parental discord, family bereavements or illnesses and parental mental health issues can mean children and teenagers develop behavioural problems.

Difficulties learning acceptable behaviours from others (which can be because of Learning Difficulties or language problems) can make it hard for children to learn socially appropriate behaviours.

If your child has experienced trauma or abuse, even at an early age, they may be more likely to develop behavioural problems.

Alcohol and drug usage can trigger behavioural issues within children. Parents aren’t always aware their child is using drugs or alcohol, but research has shown the use of substances like cannabis can have a significant impact on your child’s behaviour.

 

 

How to help your child or teenager

Research has shown that early intervention is key to getting effective support and treatment for your child or teenager. About 70% of children with a mental health problem don’t get the right help at the right time – this can mean that the issues grow worse or develop into something more severe.

 

The reasons for not getting help early enough are often that parents feel their child will grow out of the phase, that it is a normal part of development or because they feel shame or embarrassment about their child’s behaviour.

Support with Children Stealing and Lying

When stealing and lying become a regular occurrence, or when these behaviours are accompanied by other worrying signs, it may be time to seek the advice of an expert in child behaviour. We can help.

Child and adolescent lying

The ability to successfully tell a lie is one ability that sets humans apart from other animals. The average adult admits to telling a lie 13 times a week, and lying is considered by many experts to be an important milestone in a child’s emotional development.

 

The process of lying is complex and involves a child understanding they are a separate entity to their parents – this ability normally happens at around the age of 2 or 3.

 

Whilst young children may lie because they are not able to separate fantasy from truth, by the age of 6 most children understand the moral implications of lying.

 

Persistent lying can be a sign that:

 

• A parent’s expectations are too high
• The child fears the consequences of the truth
• The child can’t explain their actions any other way
• The child is craving attention

Whilst many lies can be small and insignificant, if your child frequently lies or the lies are getting them or other people into trouble, it could be a sign there is an underlying problem that would benefit from some expert input.

 

If lying is accompanied by any of the following, you may want to speak to an expert:

 

• Depression / low mood
• Lack of empathy for others
• Low self-esteem
• Hurting other people or animals intentionally
• Hyperactivity
• Fire setting / risky behaviours
• Child and adolescent stealing

Finding out your child or teenager is stealing can be deeply concerning – parents are understandably worried about not only the impact on the other party but may also feel guilt or shame about their role as parents.

 

If your child or teenager is stealing, it can be a sign of emotional problems that may benefit from expert help.

 

What causes a child to steal?

 

• Emotional problems
• Peer pressure
• Low self-esteem
• Friendship difficulties
• Wanting to ‘buy’ popularity
• As a way of feeling good about themselves
• Neglect (needing certain items because they are not being provided for)
• Being bullied

If stealing is accompanied by any of the following, you may want to speak to an expert:

 

• Depression / low mood
• Showing no remorse
• Frequent stealing
• Stealing expensive items
• Low self-esteem
• Hurting other people or animals intentionally
• Hyperactivity
• Fire setting / risky behaviours

 

Why is my child stealing or lying?

Some stealing or lying behaviour is part and parcel of growing up – we have all made mistakes in our adolescence and they are how we learn about the world.

 

Lying can be a way of testing out boundaries, a key developmental need for adolescents. Others may lie or steal as a way of managing difficult emotions. Our arousal states are increased by the process of lying and stealing, and these behaviours can make a child feel more powerful, in control and even give them a bit of a ‘high’.

 

Help available for stealing and lying

One of the first steps that many parents find helpful is for their child or teenager to meet with a child and adolescent psychiatrist to assess if there are any underlying reasons behind the stealing and lying behaviour.

 

Research shows that children who lie and steal may have an underlying condition, such as a conduct disorder, ODD or an emerging personality disorder, all of which can be helped by therapy and in some cases, medication.

 

Working with a psychologist or psychotherapist can help your child manage their emotions in a healthier way and teach them lifelong skills. For some children, medication can be effective in helping address underlying issues that may be causing the behaviour.

 

Treating behavioural issues

There are many different, highly effective, treatment options available for children and young people who are struggling with their behaviour.

 

Assessment

One of the most useful first steps is to understand more about the issues that your child is struggling with. We know that behavioural difficulties, such as aggressive or defiant behaviour, can often be a way a child or teenager communicates difficulties they are having in another area of their life – for instance, issues at school or with their self-esteem.

 

It’s also very common for children who display signs of anger to have an underlying condition, like ADHD, depression or anxiety. Some studies indicate that as many as 40% of children with behavioural issues will have ADHD.

 

An assessment with a child and adolescent psychiatrist will identify if there is an underlying cause for the behaviour and will also identify the best treatment route.

 

Medication

Certain medications can be useful for helping children and teenagers manage their anger or aggression issues, for instance:

 

If the underlying problem is ADHD, stimulant medication can be highly effective. There is a great deal of evidence showing that these stimulant medications increase levels of certain key chemicals in the brain (dopamine and norepinephrine) which allows the brain to function in a different way and helps the child’s behaviour – commonly increasing their ability to concentrate and decreasing their levels of hyperactivity.

If the underlying condition is autism, there is evidence that atypical antipsychotics, such as Risperidone, may reduce severe aggression by acting on the dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters.

Medication is typically seen as a treatment of last resort for excessive anger in autism, and the advantages should be carefully weighed against the risk of side effects, but nonetheless, for some families, having medication to help their child’s aggression is a lifeline.

There are other medications that can be useful in helping a child or teenager manage their behaviours and reduce their aggression. More often than not, a talking therapy will be recommended alongside medication - the medication can often help the child engage more fully in their therapy.

 

Talking therapy

Your child or teenager may benefit from having some time with a therapist or psychologist who will be able to work through any emotional or behavioural issues that your child has.

 

Children won’t always feel comfortable talking to their parents, but will often open up to a therapist.

 

CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) in particular has been shown to be effective at helping a child or teenager:

• Regulate excessive anger
• Learn social problem-solving strategies
• Develop alternative social skills (other than anger)

Talking therapies are often the most preferred option for treating behavioural issues – not only are they the safest options (many medications have side effects) but the skills your child or teen will learn from therapy will last them a lifetime and are a real investment in their future.

 

Family therapy and parenting skills training

It can be incredibly stressful for the whole family if you have a child who has behavioural issues. Your daily family life may be rife with arguments, confrontations and stress. Siblings can often suffer when one child has specific behavioural issues; marriages are often placed under huge amounts of stress and marital discord can make your child’s behaviours worse as they may feel they are to blame - but still not know how to stop.

 

Evidence has shown that family therapy and parenting support can help tackle and reduce disruptive or problem behaviours and are often based around how parents behave immediately after their child’s aggressive behaviour.

 

With the help of a parenting coach, therapist, family therapist or psychologist you will learn:

 

• Praising appropriate behaviour
• Effective communication
• How to ignore the problem, attention seeking behaviours
• How to behave consistently with regards to consequences
• How to embed and support the skills your child is learning from their therapy

Attending sessions as a couple can often be hugely powerful and ensure there is a ‘united’ from at home. This can take a great deal of pressure off the family and give everyone the space they need to help the child affected.

 

Causes of behavioural problems

One of the questions we get asked most is “Why does my child behave like this?” – it is perfectly understandable to want to understand what might be causing the behavioural issues and therefore, how to support your child. We can help.

 

Behaviour problems are common

There is no one cause for behavioural problems such as ODD (oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder.  Your child’s behaviour is a complex relationship between many different elements.

 

We know that behavioural concerns are very common (about 8% of teenage boys have behavioural problems, 5% of under tens) but the reasons for this aren’t always clear.

 

As a parent, this can be incredibly frustrating and it’s normal to feel worried, stressed, embarrassed or even shamed by your child’s behaviour. You might feel like you are a bad parent or can’t control your child and be worried about what other people think about you. Although understandable, these thoughts are rarely justified: behavioural disorders have complex causes.

 

Causes of behavioural issues

There are often several factors that can be responsible for why a child or teenager behaves in a certain way, including:

 

Genetic factors – we know that some children are more inclined toward behavioural problems because of their genetic make-up. A family history of mental disorders can increase this risk.

Other mental health conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, depression and anxiety are often accompanied by behavioural problems, such as shyness, anger or school avoidance.

Physical issues - damage to certain parts of the brain can result in a child being unable to control some of their tendencies or being more inclined to aggression.

Bullying or difficulties at school can result in a child ‘acting out’ with aggressive or violent behaviours as a way of them dealing with their experiences at school.

Issues within the home, such as parental discord, family bereavements or illnesses and parental mental health issues can mean children and teenagers develop behavioural problems.

Difficulties learning acceptable behaviours from others (which can be because of Learning Difficulties or language problems) can make it hard for children to learn socially appropriate behaviours.

If your child has experienced trauma or abuse, even at an early age, they may be more likely to develop behavioural problems.

Alcohol and drug usage can trigger behavioural issues within children. Parents aren’t always aware their child is using drugs or alcohol, but research has shown the use of substances like cannabis can have a significant impact on your child’s behaviour.

How to help your child or teenager

Research has shown that early intervention is key to getting effective support and treatment for your child or teenager. About 70% of children with a mental health problem don’t get the right help at the right time – this can mean that the issues grow worse or develop into something more severe.

 

The reasons for not getting help early enough are often that parents feel their child will grow out of the phase, that it is a normal part of development or because they feel shame or embarrassment about their child’s behaviour.

 

Treating behavioural issues

There are many different, highly effective, treatment options available for children and young people who are struggling with their behaviour.

 

Assessment

One of the most useful first steps is to understand more about the issues that your child is struggling with. We know that behavioural difficulties, such as aggressive or defiant behaviour, can often be a way a child or teenager communicates difficulties they are having in another area of their life – for instance, issues at school or with their self-esteem.

 

It’s also very common for children who display signs of anger to have an underlying condition, like ADHD, depresssion or anxiety. Some studies indicate that as many as 40% of children with behavioural issues will have ADHD.

 

An assessment with a child and adolescent psychiatrist will identify if there is an underlying cause for the behaviour and will also identify the best treatment route.

 

Medication

Certain medications can be useful for helping children and teenagers manage their anger or aggression issues, for instance:

 

If the underlying problem is ADHD, stimulant medication can be highly effective. There is a great deal of evidence showing that these stimulant medications increase levels of certain key chemicals in the brain (dopamine and norepinephrine) which allows the brain to function in a different way and helps the child’s behaviour – commonly increasing their ability to concentrate and decreasing their levels of hyperactivity.

If the underlying condition is autism, there is evidence that atypical antipsychotics, such as Risperidone, may reduce severe aggression by acting on the dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters.

Medication is typically seen as a treatment of last resort for excessive anger in autism, and the advantages should be carefully weighed against the risk of side effects, but nonetheless, for some families, having medication to help their child’s aggression is a lifeline.

There are other medications that can be useful in helping a child or teenager manage their behaviours and reduce their aggression. More often than not, a talking therapy will be recommended alongside medication - the medication can often help the child engage more fully in their therapy.

 

Talking therapy

Your child or teenager may benefit from having some time with a therapist or psychologist who will be able to work through any emotional or behavioural issues that your child has.

 

Children won’t always feel comfortable talking to their parents, but will often open up to a therapist.

 

CBT(Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) in particular has been shown to be effective at helping a child or teenager:

 

• Regulate excessive anger
• Learn social problem-solving strategies
• Develop alternative social skills (other than anger)

Talking therapies are often the most preferred option for treating behavioural issues – not only are they the safest options (many medications have side effects) but the skills your child or teen will learn from therapy will last them a lifetime and are a real investment in their future.

 

Family therapy and parenting skills training

It can be incredibly stressful for the whole family if you have a child who has behavioural issues. Your daily family life may be rife with arguments, confrontations and stress. Siblings can often suffer when one child has specific behavioural issues; marriages are often placed under huge amounts of stress and marital discord can make your child’s behaviours worse as they may feel they are to blame - but still not know how to stop.

 

Evidence has shown that family therapy and parenting support can help tackle and reduce disruptive or problem behaviours and are often based around how parents behave immediately after their child’s aggressive behaviour.

 

With the help of a parenting coach, therapist, family therapist or psychologist you will learn:

 

• Praising appropriate behaviour
• Effective communication
• How to ignore the problem, attention seeking behaviours
• How to behave consistently with regards to consequences
• How to embed and support the skills your child is learning from their therapy

Attending sessions as a couple can often be hugely powerful and ensure there is a ‘united’ from at home. This can take a great deal of pressure off the family and give everyone the space they need to help the child affected.

 

School exclusion

Behavioural problems are the biggest reason children and teenagers get excluded, either temporarily or permanently, from school. We can help address these issues.

 

The impact of school expulsions and suspensions

Every day in the UK about 40 children are permanently excluded from school and a further 2,000 suspended. The main reasons are behavioural, either aggressive or disruptive behaviour.

 

These school expulsions and suspensions can have a devastating effect on the family – not only is it a very stressful time and one that often results in a lot of family conflict, but if suitable alternative education can’t be found quickly, it can have long-term implications for the academic attainment of the child and the ability for the parents to carry out normal daily life, such as work.

 

Causes of school expulsions and suspensions

The main reasons children and teenagers are expelled or suspended are:

 

These aggressive or disruptive behaviours are often symptomatic of emotional difficulties or mental health problems the child may be experiencing.

 

Undiagnosed ADHD, ASD, conduct disorders, special educational needs, anxiety or ODD can all be reasons why a child or teenager may get into trouble at school. We know that poor behaviour is closely linked to low levels of self-esteem and may be a result of bullying, abuse or a trauma.

 

As the causes aren’t always clear and often a child or teen won’t be able to talk about why they are behaving the way they are – seeking help from an expert who can assess if there is an underlying cause for the behavioural problems is key.

 

Support for school expulsions and suspensions

If your child has been excluded from school or is at risk of exclusion, one of the best places to start for parents is to understand exactly what the issues are.

 

A psychiatric assessment with a child and adolescent psychiatrist will be able to identify if there is an underlying cause, such as ODD or ADHD. They will work with you and your child to get a clear picture as to what has led to this situation.

 

From there, medication or talking therapies may be recommended.

 

CBT and other psychological therapies can be really effective at helping children overcome their fears. Our Psychologists and Psychotherapists are experienced in helping children with school-related issues, so understand the complexities well.

 

Parenting Support can be invaluable in teaching parents the best way of handling difficult situations in a way that will support your child’s progress. It also gives parents a space to talk to a child behavioural expert about their experiences and frustrations – it can be very hard to talk to family and friends honestly about what is happening in your family.

 

Treating behavioural issues

There are many different, highly effective, treatment options available for children and young people who are struggling with their behaviour.

 

Assessment

One of the most useful first steps is to understand more about the issues that your child is struggling with. We know that behavioural difficulties, such as aggressive or defiant behaviour, can often be a way a child or teenager communicates difficulties they are having in another area of their life – for instance, issues at school or with their self-esteem.

 

It’s also very common for children who display signs of anger to have an underlying condition, like ADHD, depression or anxiety. Some studies indicate that as many as 40% of children with behavioural issues will have ADHD.

 

An assessment with a child and adolescent psychiatrist will identify if there is an underlying cause for the behaviour and will also identify the best treatment route.

 

Medication

Certain medications can be useful for helping children and teenagers manage their anger or aggression issues, for instance:

 

If the underlying problem is ADHD, stimulant medication can be highly effective. There is a great deal of evidence showing that these stimulant medications increase levels of certain key chemicals in the brain (dopamine and norepinephrine) which allows the brain to function in a different way and helps the child’s behaviour – commonly increasing their ability to concentrate and decreasing their levels of hyperactivity.

If the underlying condition is autism, there is evidence that atypical antipsychotics, such as Risperidone, may reduce severe aggression by acting on the dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters.

Medication is typically seen as a treatment of last resort for excessive anger in autism, and the advantages should be carefully weighed against the risk of side effects, but nonetheless, for some families, having medication to help their child’s aggression is a lifeline.

There are other medications that can be useful in helping a child or teenager manage their behaviours and reduce their aggression. More often than not, a talking therapy will be recommended alongside medication - the medication can often help the child engage more fully in their therapy.

 

Talking therapy

Your child or teenager may benefit from having some time with a therapist or psychologist who will be able to work through any emotional or behavioural issues that your child has.

 

Children won’t always feel comfortable talking to their parents, but will often open up to a therapist.

 

CBT(Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) in particular has been shown to be effective at helping a child or teenager:

 

• Regulate excessive anger
• Learn social problem-solving strategies
• Develop alternative social skills (other than anger)

Talking therapies are often the most preferred option for treating behavioural issues – not only are they the safest options (many medications have side effects) but the skills your child or teen will learn from therapy will last them a lifetime and are a real investment in their future.

 

Family therapy and parenting skills training

It can be incredibly stressful for the whole family if you have a child who has behavioural issues. Your daily family life may be rife with arguments, confrontations and stress. Siblings can often suffer when one child has specific behavioural issues; marriages are often placed under huge amounts of stress and marital discord can make your child’s behaviours worse as they may feel they are to blame - but still not know how to stop.

 

Evidence has shown that family therapy and parenting support can help tackle and reduce disruptive or problem behaviours and are often based around how parents behave immediately after their child’s aggressive behaviour.

 

With the help of a parenting coach, therapist, family therapist or psychologist you will learn:

 

• Praising appropriate behaviour
• Effective communication
• How to ignore the problem, attention seeking behaviours
• How to behave consistently with regards to consequences
• How to embed and support the skills your child is learning from their therapy

Attending sessions as a couple can often be hugely powerful and ensure there is a ‘united’ from at home. This can take a great deal of pressure off the family and give everyone the space they need to help the child affected.

 

Causes of behavioural problems

One of the questions we get asked most is “Why does my child behave like this?” – it is perfectly understandable to want to understand what might be causing the behavioural issues and therefore, how to support your child. We can help.

 

Behaviour problems are common

There is no one cause for behavioural problems such as ODD (Oppositional definat disorder) or conduct disorder. Your child’s behaviour is a complex relationship between many different elements.

 

We know that behavioural concerns are very common (about 8% of teenage boys have behavioural problems, 5% of under tens) but the reasons for this aren’t always clear.

 

As a parent, this can be incredibly frustrating and it’s normal to feel worried, stressed, embarrassed or even shamed by your child’s behaviour. You might feel like you are a bad parent or can’t control your child and be worried about what other people think about you. Although understandable, these thoughts are rarely justified: behavioural disorders have complex causes.

 

Causes of behavioural issues

There are often several factors that can be responsible for why a child or teenager behaves in a certain way, including:

 

Genetic factors – we know that some children are more inclined toward behavioural problems because of their genetic make-up. A family history of mental disorders can increase this risk.

Other mental health conditions, such as ADHD, Autism depression and anxiety are often accompanied by behavioural problems, such as shyness, anger or school avoidance.

Physical issues - damage to certain parts of the brain can result in a child being unable to control some of their tendencies or being more inclined to aggression.

Bullying or difficulties at school can result in a child ‘acting out’ with aggressive or violent behaviours as a way of them dealing with their experiences at school.

Issues within the home, such as parental discord, family bereavements or illnesses and parental mental health issues can mean children and teenagers develop behavioural problems.

Difficulties learning acceptable behaviours from others (which can be because of Learning Difficulties or language problems) can make it hard for children to learn socially appropriate behaviours.

If your child has experienced trauma or abuse, even at an early age, they may be more likely to develop behavioural problems.

Alcohol and drug usage can trigger behavioural issues within children. Parents aren’t always aware their child is using drugs or alcohol, but research has shown the use of substances like cannabis can have a significant impact on your child’s behaviour.

How to help your child or teenager

Research has shown that early intervention is key to getting effective support and treatment for your child or teenager. About 70% of children with a mental health problem don’t get the right help at the right time – this can mean that the issues grow worse or develop into something more severe.

 

The reasons for not getting help early enough are often that parents feel their child will grow out of the phase, that it is a normal part of development or because they feel shame or embarrassment about their child’s behaviour.

 

Family therapy and parenting skills training

It can be incredibly stressful for the whole family if you have a child who has behavioural issues. Your daily family life may be rife with arguments, confrontations and stress. Siblings can often suffer when one child has specific behavioural issues; marriages are often placed under huge amounts of stress and marital discord can make your child’s behaviours worse as they may feel they are to blame - but still not know how to stop.

 

Evidence has shown that family therapy and parenting support can help tackle and reduce disruptive or problem behaviours and are often based around how parents behave immediately after their child’s aggressive behaviour.

 

With the help of a parenting coach, therapist, family therapist or psychologist you will learn:

 

• Praising appropriate behaviour
• Effective communication
• How to ignore the problem, attention seeking behaviours
• How to behave consistently with regards to consequences
• How to embed and support the skills your child is learning from their therapy

Attending sessions as a couple can often be hugely powerful and ensure there is a ‘united’ from at home. This can take a great deal of pressure off the family and give everyone the space they need to help the child affected.

 

Teenage and child bullying

Bullying can take many forms and isn’t always obvious to the adults in a child’s life. For the child being bullied, there are likely to be serious implications - unhappiness, stress, loss of concentration, self-esteem and focus at school and even physical ill health.

 

It’s a serious issue for both those being bullied and the bullies themselves.

 

What is bullying?

Most children at some time have been teased or have had difficult times with their friends. But when another child is tormenting them either physically, verbally or in other ways, it needs to be dealt with.

 

Increasingly, cyberbullying is turning into a problem. Bullies are taking to new media platforms - emails, chat rooms, instant messaging, social networking sites and texting to taunt and bully others – which can extend the comments to a wider group of children – increasing the suffering for the child being bullied.

 

Signs your child is being bullied

Often children don't want to tell a parent they are being bullied – they may feel humiliated, feel they are at fault somehow or worry that by telling you things will get worse. As a parent, you might suspect something is wrong.

 

Common signs that your child may be being bullied are:

 

• Stomach aches or headaches caused by the stress
• Not sleeping well or having nightmares
• Being more moody or bad-tempered than usual
• Over-reacting to situations and taking it out on siblings
• Belongings being damaged or going missing
• Decline in concentration, focus and attainment at school
• Worrying about going to school or not wanting to go out
• Change in friendships or normal routines with friends
• Becoming socially withdrawn
• Crying, tearfulness or low mood
• Bruises or tears/marks on clothing
• The long-term impacts of being bullied

It makes sense that being bullied is going to have a negative impact on your life – and studies with twins have looked at the long-term mental health effects. The study showed that those who have been bullied are more likely to develop anxiety disorders, depression and even paranoid thoughts. These conditions may not show themselves immediately – they can develop years down the line1.

 

What if your child is the bully?

Finding out your child is bullying another is a horrible and worrying thing – and parents often don’t know how best to stop their child’s behaviour. Confrontation and punishment are natural reactions for parents, however, bullying can be a sign that there is an underlying issue that needs to be dealt with.

 

Benefits of finding help for a child who bullies:

 

Teach other ways of behaving - finding help for your child or teenager early is the best way to teach and reinforce alternative behaviours.

Underlying mental health issue - if your child is bullying another, the likelihood is your child will also need some support – the bullying behaviour could be a sign of an underlying mental health condition like conduct disorder, ODD, ADHD or anxiety.

Talk to an expert - you may want to consider an assessment for your child or teenager to understand the causes of their bullying behaviour. This might sound scary, however the Psychiatrists we work with help thousands of families every year who are in a similar position to you. Their main focus is making sure your child is ok – they aren’t there to judge you or your child.

Consider talking therapies - a talking therapy, like CBT can be hugely effective at helping children deal with their emotions in a more positive way and to understand the consequences of their behaviour. By involving a third party to help your child, it can improve your relationship with your child as you are no longer the only one trying to address the problems.

Seeking help early is the most important step you can take to ensure that negative behaviours do not escalate or becoming entrenched

 

Family therapy and parenting skills training

It can be incredibly stressful for the whole family if you have a child who has behavioural issues. Your daily family life may be rife with arguments, confrontations and stress. Siblings can often suffer when one child has specific behavioural issues; marriages are often placed under huge amounts of stress and marital discord can make your child’s behaviours worse as they may feel they are to blame - but still not know how to stop.

 

Evidence has shown that family therapy and parenting support can help tackle and reduce disruptive or problem behaviours and are often based around how parents behave immediately after their child’s aggressive behaviour.

 

With the help of a parenting coach, therapist, family therapist or psychologist you will learn:

 

• Praising appropriate behaviour
• Effective communication
• How to ignore the problem, attention seeking behaviours
• How to behave consistently with regards to consequences
• How to embed and support the skills your child is learning from their therapy

Attending sessions as a couple can often be hugely powerful and ensure there is a ‘united’ from at home. This can take a great deal of pressure off the family and give everyone the space they need to help the child affected.

 

Causes of behavioural problems

One of the questions we get asked most is “Why does my child behave like this?” – it is perfectly understandable to want to understand what might be causing the behavioural issues and therefore, how to support your child. We can help.

 

Treating behavioural issues

There are many different, highly effective, treatment options available for children and young people who are struggling with their behaviour.

 

Assessment

One of the most useful first steps is to understand more about the issues that your child is struggling with. We know that behavioural difficulties, such as aggressive or defiant behaviour, can often be a way a child or teenager communicates difficulties they are having in another area of their life – for instance, issues at school or with their self-esteem.

 

It’s also very common for children who display signs of anger to have an underlying condition, like ADHD, depression or anxiety. Some studies indicate that as many as 40% of children with behavioural issues will have ADHD.

 

An assessment with a child and adolescent psychiatrist will identify if there is an underlying cause for the behaviour and will also identify the best treatment route.

 

Medication

Certain medications can be useful for helping children and teenagers manage their anger or aggression issues, for instance:

 

If the underlying problem is ADHD, stimulant medication can be highly effective. There is a great deal of evidence showing that these stimulant medications increase levels of certain key chemicals in the brain (dopamine and norepinephrine) which allows the brain to function in a different way and helps the child’s behaviour – commonly increasing their ability to concentrate and decreasing their levels of hyperactivity.

If the underlying condition is autism, there is evidence that atypical antipsychotics, such as Risperidone, may reduce severe aggression by acting on the dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters.

Medication is typically seen as a treatment of last resort for excessive anger in autism, and the advantages should be carefully weighed against the risk of side effects, but nonetheless, for some families, having medication to help their child’s aggression is a lifeline.

There are other medications that can be useful in helping a child or teenager manage their behaviours and reduce their aggression. More often than not, a talking therapy will be recommended alongside medication - the medication can often help the child engage more fully in their therapy.

 

Talking therapy

Your child or teenager may benefit from having some time with a therapist or psychologist who will be able to work through any emotional or behavioural issues that your child has.

 

Children won’t always feel comfortable talking to their parents, but will often open up to a therapist.

 

CBT(Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) in particular has been shown to be effective at helping a child or teenager:

 

• Regulate excessive anger
• Learn social problem-solving strategies
• Develop alternative social skills (other than anger)

Talking therapies are often the most preferred option for treating behavioural issues – not only are they the safest options (many medications have side effects) but the skills your child or teen will learn from therapy will last them a lifetime and are a real investment in their future.

 

How to help your child or teenager

Research has shown that early intervention is key to getting effective support and treatment for your child or teenager. About 70% of children with a mental health problem don’t get the right help at the right time – this can mean that the issues grow worse or develop into something more severe.

 

The reasons for not getting help early enough are often that parents feel their child will grow out of the phase, that it is a normal part of development or because they feel shame or embarrassment about their child’s behaviour.

 

Private psychiatry for children and young people

Knowing when the right time is to get outside help for a loved one isn't easy. If you're considering whether a psychiatrist might be able to help your child, an experienced clinical adviser can listen, offer advice, and help you reach a decision.

 

It's normal for concerned parents and carers not to know what type of support their child needs. Just call us on 0333 3390115, explain what's been happening, and we'll advise you on what we think will be most helpful for you and your family.

 

How do I choose a therapist for my child?

The first step is a phone call with our friendly, experienced team of assistant psychologists. Then, if you would like to book an appointment, we can arrange a session with a child and adolescent psychiatrist suited to your child's needs. It's essential to get the fit right, so we always try to match you with a clinician with whom we think you and your child will feel comfortable.

 

How we work

Appointments are available at nationwide locations or online

Sessions usually last between 60-120 minutes, depending on the type of appointment

You will receive a report that will include a diagnosis (where one is clear) and treatment recommendations

Any further treatment, including medication, can be with us, another provider, or through your local NHS GP

 

Preparing for the assessment

It's natural for you and your child to feel a bit apprehensive before the assessment, but rest assured, we select all our clinicians based on their expertise and their ability to make clients feel at ease, so please try not to worry. If your child is nervous about talking to a stranger, they may find it helpful to bring notes or drawings demonstrating how they feel to the session. This approach often helps when a child struggles to explain thoughts and feelings through words alone.

 

Can I attend the appointment?

We ask parents of children under 18 to attend the assessment with their children. The consultant will want to speak to you about your child's history and current health but may also want some time alone with your child so that they can assess behaviour without parental influence.

 

How long with the session last?

Standard appointments last between 60 and 120 minutes. However, assessments for certain conditions and those with more complex requirements may need longer. We will discuss this with you if we think a longer appointment is required.

 

Should I bring anything to the appointment?

We will send your child's psychiatrist the information you provide in your initial phone call with us. However, before the appointment, we recommend you consider the issues discussed in the call and anything else you feel might be relevant. Make notes if you think it will help, and bring them to the appointment to help ensure you don't forget to mention anything.

Your child's report

Following your appointment, we will send you a full psychiatric report. The time it takes to produce the report often depends on how quickly we receive responses to any questionnaires needed. The report will include a detailed diagnosis, where one is clear, and any treatment recommendations.

 

Prescriptions

If the psychiatrist recommends medication, we suggest asking your NHS GP if they will be willing to prescribe it. In most cases, your GP will likely issue a prescription upon receipt of your psychiatrist's report. However, they will sometimes refuse to prescribe more expensive medications, such as some of those used to treat ADHD.

 

What happens after the assessment?

Following your appointment with the psychiatrist, we may recommend that your child see a Psychologist or Psychotherapist for further treatment. We can help arrange this treatment privately or you may wish to be treated by the NHS.