Comprehensive Analysis: Emotional and Behavioral Disorders in Children

This report provides a detailed overview of emotional and behavioral disorders in children. It begins with an introduction to the concept of disorders and emphasizes the prevalence of these issues among children globally. The report defines emotional and behavioral disorders according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southern Arizona, outlining key characteristics. It then delves into specific disorders such as anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, conduct disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), explaining their symptoms and treatment options. The report also explores the various reasons for the development of these disorders, including heredity, environment, diet, brain disorders, and family functioning. Finally, it discusses remedial measures, emphasizing the importance of early intervention, professional help, and appropriate treatment to address these challenges effectively. The report is intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Running head: EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS OF CHILDREN
Emotional and Behavioral Disorders of Children
Name of the Student:
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Author’s Note:

1EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS OF CHILDREN
Executive Summary
This report intends to shed light on the concept of emotional and behavioral disorder in the
children. This report will provide a brief overview of the concept of emotional and behavioral
disorders. The report will also provide an overview of the various kinds of emotional and
behavioral disorders. The report will try to explain the reasons for the development of the
various kinds of emotional and behavioral disorders in children. Finally, the report will
provide an overview of the remedial measures which need to be taken in order to cure the
disorder.

2EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS OF CHILDREN
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
Emotional and Behavioral Disorders.........................................................................................4
Anxiety Disorder....................................................................................................................5
Bipolar Disorder.....................................................................................................................5
Conduct Disorder...................................................................................................................6
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder............................................................................................6
Reasons for the emotional and behavioral disorders of children...............................................7
Remedial Measures....................................................................................................................8
Conclusion................................................................................................................................10
References................................................................................................................................11

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Introduction
“Order is never observed; it is disorder that attracts attention because it is awkward and
intrusive.”
The above quoted lines of Eliphas Levi clearly outline the attributes which are
attached with are attached with the concept of disorder. It is to be noted that the concept of
disorder is a very relative one and depends on the perception of the individual who is
interpreting it. A thing which is normal to one person might appear as a disorder to another
person. It is commonly seen that many children face the problem of emotional as well as the
behavioral disorder in the early part of their life (Weare, 2013). It is a general observation
that sometimes these disorders particular related to the emotional as well as the behavioral
disorders get cured in the children with the help of professional help however at times they
persist in the later part of the life of the children (Emotional and Behavioral Disorder, 2018).
According to a research conducted by the “National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)”,
“emotional and behavioral disorders affect 10-15 percent of children globally” (Emotional
Disturbance | Center for Parent Information and Resources, 2018). It is to be noted that
according to another research conducted by the NIHM it was found that “one of particular
childhood-onset mental disorder that is widely studied, treated, and diagnosed is ADHD,
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and the NIMH cites that 3-5 percent of children
globally suffer from this disorder” (Emotional Disturbance | Center for Parent Information
and Resources, 2018). Therefore, this is one of the most significant problems which the world
is facing at the moment and the remedy of it should be sought on a priority basis in a bid to
provide a sound mental as well as emotional health to the children (Weare, 2013). The thesis
statement of this report is whether the emotional and behavioral disorders of children are like
any other disorders which they face and whether they can be cured over time or not.

4EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS OF CHILDREN
Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
It is to be noted that emotional and behavioral disorders are one of the most common
disorders which the children face (Hayes, 2016). According to the “Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)”, emotional and behavioral disorders can be defined as “a
condition exhibiting one of the characteristics of emotional and behavioral disorders over a
long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child’s educational
performance” (Emotional and Behavioral Disorder, 2018). The IDEA also lists some
common characteristics related to this particular condition. They can be summarized as
follows-
 Inability to learn new things quickly
 Inability to develop as well as maintain relationships with individuals outside the
immediate circle of family
 Unexplained behavior as well as feelings in normal conditions
 Depression or pervasive mood
 Fear and other problems
However, the “National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southern Arizona” defines
emotional and behavioral disorders of the children in the following words “they are medical
conditions that disrupt a child’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily
functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, emotional and behavioral disorders
are medical conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary
demands of life” (Emotional Disturbance | Center for Parent Information and Resources,
2018). It is to be noted that “of the 74.5 million children in the United States, an estimated
17.1 million have or have had a psychiatric disorder” (Children’s Behavioral and Emotional
Disorders, 2018). However, the most significant thing about this particular statistics is that
more than half of these psychiatric disorders occur at the age of 14-15 and almost 75% about

5EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS OF CHILDREN
the age of 24 (Children’s Behavioral and Emotional Disorders, 2018). It is to be noted that
these psychiatric disorders developed at a tender in the children can often lead to serious
problems in the later part of their life with some of them suffering from serious problems like
Schizophrenia, bipolar disorders and others (Hayes, 2016). According to the experts the most
common emotional and behavioral disorders which the children face are “anxiety disorders,
AD/HD and disruptive behavior, depression and bipolar disorders, eating disorders and
others” (Mejia, Calam & Sanders, 2012).
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorder is one of the most common emotional disorders which the children
normally face (Mejia, Calam & Sanders, 2012). This represents an inability on the part of the
children to deal with irrational fear or fear of any other kind for that matter (Yoshikawa, Aber
& Beardslee, 2012). According to the experts, “these include such different disorders as
generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia), and
specific phobias” (Children’s Behavioral and Emotional Disorders, 2018). The “Anxiety
Disorders Association of America” has declared that anxiety disorder is one of the most
serious threats which the children of the world are facing at the moment (Mejia, Calam &
Sanders, 2012). According to a statistics revealed by the association this is a curable disorder
however “only about 36.9% of those affected receive treatment” (Children’s Behavioral and
Emotional Disorders, 2018).
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorders are commonly known by the name of “manic-depressive illness”
(Cuenca-Carlino & Mustian, 2013). It is to be noted that the children suffering from this
particular disorder often experience frequent mood swings with their moods changing very
frequently (Cuenca-Carlino & Mustian, 2013). It is to be noted that this particular disorder

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can be cured over time with the help of effective medical treatment as well as psychosocial
treatment.
Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder relates to “a group of behavioral and emotional problems in
youngsters” (Yoshikawa, Aber & Beardslee, 2012). It is to be noted that the children
suffering from this particular disorder find it very difficult to follow the various rules as well
as regulations stipulated to them (Yoshikawa, Aber & Beardslee, 2012). There are various
symptoms by means of which this particular disorder can be identified. The typical ones
include an unjustified aggression to human beings as well as animals, violation of rules,
property destruction and others (Cook, Tankersley & Landrum, 2013). It is to be noted that
the treatment for this particular disorder varies as per the severity of the child’s condition, the
age as well as the sex of the child (Cook, Tankersley & Landrum, 2013). The particular
disorder can be cured by means of effective family therapy, medication, peer therapy and also
by making the child understand the value of the rules and regulations (Cook, Tankersley &
Landrum, 2013).
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
This particular disorder is commonly called by the name of OCD. This is another
commonly encountered disorder among the children and is often considered to be a form of
anxiety disorder (Barlow, Allen & Choate, 2016). According to the experts, “OCD is
characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors
(compulsions). Repetitive behaviors (handwashing, counting, checking, or cleaning) are often
performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away”
(Barlow, Allen & Choate, 2016). It is to be noted that these repetitive behaviors provide only
temporary relief to the individuals suffering from this particular disorder however not
performing these repetitive actions makes them have severe anxiety disorders (Rose &

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Espelage, 2012). According to the experts, the particular disorder results from “a chemical
imbalance in the brain”. Therefore, a treatment for this particular disorder should include
“Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)”, medication and others (Rose & Espelage, 2012).
These in short are some of the common emotional and behavioral disorders faced by
the children. In addition to this there are others as like eating disorders, psychotic disorders
and others.
Reasons for the emotional and behavioral disorders of children
It is to be noted that the various experts have found various reasons for the emotional
as well as the behavioral disorders which they face. Heredity is one of the major factors
which forms contributes significantly towards the emotional as well as the behavioral
disorders faced by the children (Sklad, et al., 2012). It is commonly seen that if the parents of
the child or for that matter any other member of their family had a past history of emotional
as well as behavioral disorders then the child is at a very high risk of getting the same.
Another factor which contributes significantly towards the development of emotional and
behavioral disorders in children is the physical as well as the emotional environment in which
the child has been brought up (Forness et al., 2012). Therefore, if the child has been brought
up in an environment where he or she is made to face extreme stress, subjected to continuous
fights between their parents, peer pressure and various others then the child is more likely to
develop emotional as well as behavioral disorders (Forness et al., 2012). The diet or the
eating pattern of the child also plays a significant role in the development of the various
emotional as well as behavioral disorders (Gregory & Sadeh, 2012). It is commonly seen that
the children with irregular eating habits as well as the ones who does not eat proper and
adequate amount of food often develop various kinds of emotional and behavioral disorders.
Sometimes it is also seen that the children develop various kinds of emotional as well as

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behavioral disorders due to brain disorder (Sklad, et al., 2012). Family functioning is another
factor which plays a significant role in the development of various emotional as well as
mental disorders. Maltreatment and exposure to violence from an early age can also lead to
the problem of emotional as well as behavioral problem in children (Gregory & Sadeh,
2012). According to “National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southern Arizona”, “Mental
illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing.
Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can
experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment
plan” (Gleason, Goldson & Yogman, 2018). The association further goes on to say that the
disorders can affect any person irrespective “of any age, race, religion, or income” (Gleason,
Goldson & Yogman, 2018).
Remedial Measures
There are several remedial measures which the parents as well as the family members
of the children having emotional as well as behavioral problems can take the help of in order
to cure their child. It is often seen that these emotional as well as behavioral problems persist
and often lead on to more serious other problems if timely remedy and treatment is not
sought. Therefore, proper treatment as well as medication should be provided to the children
with emotional and behavioral problem (Gregory & Sadeh, 2012). According to “Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s National Report of
Evidence-Based Programs and Practices”, early intervention on the part of the parents as well
as the family members and effective help from the professionals can help the children to
overcome their emotional as well as behavioral problems (Gregory & Sadeh, 2012). It is to
be noted that these professional experts have developed several strategies for the effective
treatment of the children having emotional as well as behavioral disorder. The treatment

9EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS OF CHILDREN
given by them to the children with emotional and behavioral disorder usually consists of a
combination of “home visiting, parent groups, targeted addressing of basic needs and videos
to enhance parental self-reflection skills” (How Emotional and Behavioral Disorders are
Treated, 2018). It is to be noted that these strategies have shown positive results over the
years and have “a range of outcomes related to positive emotional, behavioral and
relationship development”. It is to be noted that one of the most commonly utilized methods
by the professionals is the use of the “Video Interaction Project” by means of which the
professionals try to make the parents understand the basic needs as well as the requirements
of the child (Raymond, 2016). In several cases, effective emotional as well as behavioral
counseling can also help in the process. It is often seen that the active help as well as the co-
operation of the parents and the family members enables the child to overcome their
emotional and behavioral disorder (Raymond, 2016). The role played by the schools and
other educational institutions is very significant to note in this particular context. According
to IDEA, “typically, educational programs for children with an emotional disturbance need to
include attention to providing emotional and behavioral support as well as helping them to
master academics, develop social skills, and increase self-awareness, self-control, and self-
esteem” (How Emotional and Behavioral Disorders are Treated, 2018). Thus, the various
schools and other educational institutions should seek to offer “positive behavioral support
(PBS)” in order to minimize the problematic behavior of the children with emotional as well
as behavioral disorder (Raymond, 2016). The IDEA further states that “For a child whose
behavior impedes learning (including the learning of others), the team developing the child’s
Individualized Education Program (IEP) needs to consider, if appropriate, strategies to
address that behavior, including positive behavioral interventions, strategies, and supports”
(How Emotional and Behavioral Disorders are Treated, 2018). In severe cases, the parents as
well as the family members can take the help of the various organizations and help providers

10EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS OF CHILDREN
like “National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse”, “Mental Health
America”, “NAMI | National Alliance on Mental Illness”, “American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry”, “American Psychological Association” and others (American
Psychiatric Association, 2013). In some cases, the emotional as well as behavioral problems
can be overcome by means of mere talk therapy as well. The role played by the parents,
family members and friends is perhaps the most significant in this particular context. It is to
be noted that love and care are the basic requirements of every child and if the child does not
get them at home or from friends then this is likely to affect him or her in a very negative
manner. Therefore, the support of the family members and friends can help the child to
overcome his or her emotional and behavioral disorders.
Conclusion
Therefore, from the above discussion it becomes that emotional and behavioral of
children is one of the major problems which the children face. There are several reasons for
the emotional as well as the behavioral disorders which the children face. It is to be noted that
there are several kinds of disorders related to the emotional as well as the behavioral aspects
of the children and often it becomes very hard for the professionals to distinguish one form of
disorder from another. It is to be noted that most of these disorders can be cured by means of
effective treatment and other strategies. However, if they are not treated properly then they
cause serious problems in the later part of their life. In fact it is often seen that the children
who are not treated properly often end up developing several psychotic disorders. Therefore,
effective treatment is very important for the children.

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