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Behavioral Disorders in Children

All children go through emotional ups and downs. Behavioral disorders involve a pattern of disruptive behaviors in children that last for at least 6 months. They can cause problems in school, at home, and in social situations. 

Almost all children will have tantrums, or act in aggressive, angry, or defiant ways at some point. It is important to be able to differentiate when your child is going through an impulsive or defiant phase or if they need to be seen by a pediatric behavioral health specialist. 

Learn about specific disorder's here!

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Learn more here about how our specialists at Lee Health can help.

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders

    Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that is commonly diagnosed in children. Learn more here about signs and symptoms of ASD and how to help your child.

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    OCD involves both obsessions and compulsions that typically affect the ease of daily functions on children. At Lee Health our physicians are here to help relieve those stressful rituals and anxiety. Learn more here!

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

    When a child's behavior is definite it often disrupts their daily routine as well as the people involved in their daily routine. Learn more here about ODD.

What could help: next steps

The management of behavioral disorders can vary depending on the child’s needs, their family’s needs, and the type and severity of their disorder. Treatment options include 

  • parent management training
  • cognitive behavior therapy
  • medication 
  • treatment for associated problems

Your child may also need to continue to be seen by a psychiatrist or developmental-behavioral pediatrician. With early and appropriate treatment, families can learn to manage the behaviors. 

If you think your child may suffer from a behavioral disorder contact our Pediatric Behavioral Health office. 

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