Multiple mental illnesses can affect behavior. A behavioral disorder is a pattern of persistent and repetitive behavior that goes against social norms, impairs function, or is harmful to others. Behavioral disorders are a general category that describes many conditions. To be diagnosed with one, the behaviors have to last for six months or longer or negatively impact a person’s home or work life. Below, we will outline some of these behavioral disorders and the treatment options offered at 449 Recovery.

Many children and adults struggle with how attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) impacts their lives. It is described as an ongoing pattern of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and lack of attention that creates issues in normal functioning. These terms are defined below:

  • Hyperactivity: Constant movement, fidgeting, or talking too much
  • Impulsivity: Acting or speaking without thought, such as interrupting others
  • Lack of attention: Challenges with organization and focus

It is normal to have days where it is harder to focus, you are more impulsive or chatty. For those with ADHD, these issues are more intense and consistent and make it challenging to function normally. Finishing daily tasks or keeping organized in particular can be a struggle with ADHD.

Risk Factors of ADHD

Similar to other mental health issues, there is a combination of factors that can play into ADHD. These include genetics and environment. Examples include nutrition, previous brain injury, or social conditions. Research has found that men have a higher risk of ADHD than women and that it commonly occurs with other mental health conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorder (SUD), and learning disabilities.

Treatment for ADHD

While ADHD cannot be cured, it can be treated with a combination of medication and therapeutic modalities. Here at 449 Recovery, we offer multiple treatments that can help with ADHD. They include:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Stress management
  • Support groups
  • Holistic treatment options
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Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Unlike ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a type of behavioral disorder that occurs only in children. The primary issue of ODD is a lack of self-control in feelings and behaviors. This generally looks like a consistent state of agitation, argumentative or defiant behavior, or vindictiveness towards others.

While all children and adults can be agitated, ODD is the consistent state of agitation and lack of ability to control feelings or actions. Those with ODD are highly reactive and have little to no tolerance for things that cause them frustration. Examples would include lashing out at others or themselves.

Risk Factors of ODD

Researchers estimate that ODD is about 50% inheritable. Environmental factors also affect a child’s risk of ODD. For example, inconsistent and harsh treatment from adults has been shown to contribute to ODD. Attributes like being calloused and unemotional have also been shown to be associated with the risk of ODD.

Treatment for ODD

ODD is responsive to treatment plans that include multiple aspects. Treatment options available at 449 Recovery include:

  • Medication
  • Identifying and treating comorbidities like ADHD, depression, or anxiety
  • Psychotherapy
  • Group therapy
  • CBT

Conduct Disorder

Found in children and adolescents, conduct disorder (CD) is when a person shows repetitive behavior that consists of the following:

  • Bullying or threatening others
  • Being generally aggressive towards other people or animals
  • Destructive behaviors like destroying someone else’s property
  • Lying or stealing
  • Complete disregard for rules at home, school, or laws
  • Running away or staying out all night

While many in their adolescent years break a few rules, CD is different. It is both the consistency of the behavior as well as the lack of remorse for harm to others.

Risk Factors of CD

While genetic components exist, those with CD are associated with other comorbidities. These include but are not limited to:

  • Mood disorders
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • ADHD
  • Substance abuse
  • Learning problems
  • Thought disorders

Treatment for CD

Treating CD is complicated, especially due to the person likely being resistant to treatment. However, it is often a combination of therapeutic techniques, including versions of psychotherapy, that are most effective. Diagnosing and treating other comorbidities are also important, as they will play a role in the behavior seen in CD. Here at 449 Recovery, we treat based on how each client is reacting, adjusting the treatment plan as needed to be successful.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Another disorder that causes behavior issues is intermittent explosive disorder (IED). In general, IED starts in childhood but can also begin in adolescence and continue into adulthood. It is defined as continuing episodes of violent or destructive behaviors that are out of proportion to the cause of irritation. While all children and adults experience rage, attacks due to IED are out of control and defined by what is called impulse aggression. This means that the behavior is impulsive, and the person with IED cannot change or stop themselves from their aggressive behaviors.

Risk Factors of IED

While there may be genetic components and structural differences in the brain that lead to IED, more research is needed to understand this aspect. However, IED is tied to a home environment. Growing up in a family with explosive behaviors, physical abuse, or verbal abuse has been shown to increase a child’s risk of developing IED. A history of other mental health issues has also been shown to increase the risk of IED development.

Treatment for IED

While every treatment plan is different, IED treatment options at 449 Recovery may include some of the following:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Medications
  • Identifying and treating other comorbidities
  • CBT
  • Group therapy

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

A condition that occurs in children, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is categorized by extreme irritability, anger, and frequent outbursts. It is far more than a child being moody or grumpy, but instead, it is regular and intense rage and tantrums. These moods generally last throughout most days, with outbursts occurring three or more times a week for at least a year. Due to the consistency of these issues, DMDD can significantly impact a child’s ability to function in school, at home, and in social settings.

Risk Factors of DMDD

Like other mental illnesses, there is a strong genetic disposition toward DMDD. Children diagnosed with DMDD commonly have a family history of DMDD and other mood disorders like depression, anxiety, or SUD. Low maternal education level and maternal depression, especially when the child was under five years old, have also been shown to correlate to DMDD. Additionally, childhood trauma, including divorce, health, relocation, and abuse, have been shown to increase the risk of DMDD.

Treatment for DMDD

DMDD is a relatively new diagnosis, and the current treatment is fairly similar to other behavioral disorders. This could include some of the following:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Medications
  • Identifying and treating other comorbidities
  • CBT
  • Group therapy

The team at 449 Recovery works with holistic, research-based therapeutic approaches that are adjusted for every client’s needs. If you or a loved one is struggling with behavioral issues, you can trust us to help you find solutions. Call us today at (949) 435-7449 to learn more.