Emotional and behavioral disorders

Emotional and behavioral disorders, sometimes abbreviated as EBD, are terms used to describe a range of disorders. There is, however, no definitive definition, and medical specialists do not necessarily agree on the classifications and categorizations. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) does not list emotional and behavioral disorders as a specific category. There is an understanding and a realization of diagnoses that fall within the range of such disorders. The term emotional and behavioral disorders is generally referred to regarding children and adolescents and the impact this has in education and socialization. Although the onset of the disorder generally manifests during childhood or adolescence, adults may also experience emotional and behavioral symptoms. This can be due to the disorder not being dealt with or treated adequately in younger years.

Background

Behavioral Disorders. Behavioral disorders are also known as disruptive behavioral disorders. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the inability to focus for a period of time, is a common behavioral disorder. The inability to focus (unless it is an activity the child or adult particularly enjoys) and behaving impulsively and often hyperactively are some of the key characteristics of ADHD.

Emotional Behavioral Disorders. Emotional behavioral disorders encompass the emotional aspect of a person’s inner world and how this disorder manifests itself in a behavioral sense. On an emotional level, the individual may feel unhappy or be unable to control emotions. This can also affect the ability to concentrate or focus on a task at hand, either at school or work.

Various labels have been given to the types of disorders that fall within the categories of emotional and behavioral disorders. Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) involves acting in opposition—often to a person of authority—in a defiant manner. Behavior often escalates from irritability and uncooperativeness to hostility. Conduct disorder (CD) consists of aggressive behavior and the violation of rules and social norms. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is acting out repetitive compulsive behaviors, spurred on by extreme fears and irrational thoughts. What starts as an obsession becomes compulsion; the person performs the behaviors as a means of relieving stress, but the relief is only temporary.

Anxiety disorder is an extreme side of anxiety, where a person is unable to function because of feelings of anxiety. While feeling anxious at times is normal, an anxiety disorder entails being unable to perform in the classroom or at work, often not being able to sleep, and many times having panic attacks. Anxiety disorder can lead to, be accompanied by, or manifest as OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

The reasons why a particular person or family member may be vulnerable to an emotional or behavioral disorder may be various. Sometimes, there may be a biological cause, a hereditary link within the family. There may have been an accident that caused brain damage, a physical illness, or disability that triggered the onset. In other instances, school or home life aspects may contribute to such emotional and behavioral issues. A traumatic experience, excessive or inconsistent discipline, or a particularly pressurizing situation may add to the possibility.

Overview

Emotional and behavioral disorders result in significant changes that become apparent regarding the person’s daily functionality and levels of distress. This may pertain to how a child learns or how a person has control over displaying emotions and the impact this has on their actions.

Symptoms. Symptoms of emotional or behavioral disorders, while falling under a certain collective list, may differ from person to person. Each individual experiences or displays emotion or behavior in a unique way. The disorder can present itself in several emotional ways, including acting out in an angry manner, often becoming annoyed, or appearing nervous and irritable. Extreme or constant arguing, becoming easily frustrated, and throwing temper tantrums are common behavioral side effects of the inner emotions. Blaming someone else or not wanting to abide by authority are further symptomatic behaviors indicative of emotional expression. Emotional and behavioral disorders are identified by physical symptoms and playing out of emotion. Where physical symptoms occur, this may be due to the side effects of substance use disorder or the frequent use of drugs or alcohol that individuals sometimes engage in to quell emotions.

Treatment. When a child or adult displays emotional behaviors, or it is evident (or there is a hint) that there may be an underlying emotional dynamic to the behavior, it is essential to get help. One may visit their family doctor or call a confidential helpline. The doctor will refer them to a mental health professional or psychiatrist specializing in emotional and behavioral disorders. It is crucial to address the disorder immediately. Leaving it to "get better" on its own is a recipe for disaster, given the high propensity of people experiencing such disorders to digress into violent abuse of others, drop out of school, experience difficulty with employment or legal trouble, develop a substance use disorder, and be at a greater risk of suicide. Neuroscience research indicates that exposure to violence, neglect, and trauma in early life affects brain development and academic outcomes. Early intervention of emotional and behavioral disorders in childhood may reduce the expansion of problematic behaviors in adulthood. However, in the twenty-first century, scientists noted a rise in the prevalence of some behavioral and emotional disorders in children, including anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and developmental delays.

A psychiatrist or trained mental health professional will perform diagnostic tests to determine the best treatment method for the particular condition. Medication may be prescribed to manage the behavioral aspect of the disorder. Asking the appropriate questions to ascertain what drug is being used, the correct dosage, and the possible side effects are important parts of being cognizant of the advantages and risk factors. Treatments for ADHD, like Ritalin (methylphenidate) or Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine), induce calmness and focus and control impulsivity and restlessness. Antidepressants are often prescribed for anxiety disorder and OCD. Prescription medication is not without risk, and dependency is possible. A healthy diet and exercise are significant components to supplementing or controlling behavior or emotional health. Talking therapies, such as psychotherapy, are recommended for addressing the emotional issues often at the base of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (an amalgamation of cognitive and behavioral therapies) is often utilized for OCD or ODD. Therapy treatments may involve individual therapy, family therapy, and sometimes group therapy. It is important to ensure that the therapist is a fully trained and licensed professional.

Bibliography

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