Behavioral Disorder

Behavioral disorder is a pattern of repetitive and disruptive behaviors that cause significant problems in an individual’s social environment, at home, or at school. Commonly observed in children and adolescents, this condition can also occur in adults. Symptoms include irritability, persistent anger, frequent arguments, temper tantrums, and defiance toward authority. If left untreated at an early age, behavioral disorder can negatively affect an individual’s social life, leading to failures in relationships, school, or work. Treatment typically involves individual or family therapy and may sometimes require medication.

What is Conduct Disorder?

Conduct disorder is a condition in which an individual consistently exhibits behaviors that disturb their surroundings, violate social rules, and are inappropriate for their age. Unlike occasional disruptive behaviors, individuals with conduct disorder display these behaviors repeatedly and persistently. This condition, which is especially common in children and adolescents, may require professional help if it progresses. While children’s mischief is normal, excessively aggressive and challenging behaviors may be rooted in other causes, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Parent training in behavioral disorder treatment plays a critical role in coping with the child's behavioral problems. These trainings aim to equip parents with effective communication skills with their children, applying positive discipline methods, and problem-solving abilities. Parents learn to understand their children's behaviors, meet their emotional needs, and set healthy boundaries. Early parent training can prevent the progression of behavioral disorders in children and create a healthier family dynamic.

Content of Parent Training:

Effective Communication Skills:

Listening to and understanding children.
Expressing emotions and establishing empathy.
Establishing positive and constructive communication.

Positive Discipline Methods:

Setting boundaries clearly and consistently.
Reinforcing and rewarding positive behaviors.
Managing negative behaviors consistently and constructively.

Problem-Solving Skills:

Identifying and solving problems together with children.
Managing conflicts constructively.
Producing and evaluating alternative solutions.

Emotional Regulation:

Developing parents’ ability to manage their own emotions.
Helping children recognize and express their emotions.

Stress Management:

Recognizing sources of family stress.
Developing strategies to cope with stress.
Learning self-care and relaxation techniques.

Thought-Emotion-Behavior Connection: CBT is based on the principle that thoughts affect emotions and behaviors.
Identification of Negative Thought Patterns: The therapist helps the individual identify negative thought patterns (e.g., catastrophizing, generalization, self-blame) that lead to problematic behaviors.
Cognitive Restructuring Techniques: The individual is taught cognitive restructuring techniques to replace negative thoughts with more realistic and positive ones.
Behavioral Change Techniques: The individual is taught behavioral techniques such as exposure, role-playing, and social skills training to change problematic behaviors.
Problem-Solving Skills: The individual is equipped with skills to cope with problems and manage future challenges.