Emotional and behavioral disorders
Emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) refer to a range of conditions that affect emotional regulation and behavior, predominantly impacting children and adolescents, though they can persist into adulthood if not addressed. There is no universally accepted definition or classification of EBD, and these disorders are not specifically listed as a category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Common examples include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and anxiety disorders, each manifesting through varied emotional and behavioral symptoms.
Children with EBD may display irritability, frustration, impulsive actions, or difficulties in focusing, which can hinder their educational and social development. The causes of these disorders can be multifaceted, including biological factors, family history, or traumatic experiences in home or school environments. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments like diet and exercise. Early intervention is crucial, as untreated EBD can lead to more severe issues, including substance abuse or legal troubles. Understanding and addressing these disorders from a compassionate and culturally sensitive perspective is essential for effective support and recovery.
On this Page
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, as of its fifth edition, 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 disorder symptoms. This can be due to the disorder not being dealt with or treated adequately in younger years. As of 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that up to one out of five children experience a mental disorder in a given year.
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. That 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 aspects of ADHD. Boys are more prone to ADHD; approximately three times more boys than girls have the disorder.
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 child or adult 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, 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 employment, 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. In some instances, there may be a biological cause, a hereditary link within the family. There may have been an accident creating brain damage, a physical illness, or disability that triggers the onset. In other instances, aspects related to school or to home life 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 the way a child learns or the way a person has control over displaying emotions and the impact this has on his or her 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 a number of 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 not by physical symptoms, but as playing out of emotion. Where physical symptoms occur, this may be due to the side-effects of addictive problems (alcohol or drug abuse) 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. In the first instance, one may book a visit with a family doctor or phone a help line (there are many confidential helplines available). The doctor will refer to a mental health professional or psychiatrist specializing in emotional and behavioral disorders. It is crucial to deal with the disorder immediately. Leaving it to "get better" on its own is a recipe for disaster, given the high propensity of people suffering from such disorders to move toward substance abuse, violent abuse of others, dropping out of school, not holding a job, getting into trouble with the law, and tragically, the high suicide rate.
A psychiatrist or trained mental health professional will perform diagnostic tests to determine the best method of treatment related to the particular disorder. Medication may be prescribed for the management of 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 both the advantages and risk factors. Ritalin or other medications associated with ADHD induce calmness and focus and control impulsivity and restlessness. Anti-depressants 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 dealing with the emotional issues often at the base of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (an amalgamation of cognitive and behavioral therapies) is often utilized for disorders such as 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
"Behavior Disorders: Definitions, Characteristics & Related Information." Council for Exceptional Children, www.ccbd.net/about/ebddefintion. Accessed 28 Feb. 2018.
"Behavioral Disorder Symptoms, Causes and Effects." PsychGuides.com, 2016, www.psychguides.com/guides/behavioral-disorder-symptoms-causes-and-effects/. Accessed 24 May 2016.
"Children’s Behavioral and Emotional Disorders." Kids Mental Health, 2009, www.kidsmentalhealth.org/childrens-behavioral-and-emotional-disorders/. Accessed 24 May 2016.
"Children's Mental Health: Basics." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 Mar. 2017, www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/basics.html. Accessed 28 Feb. 2018.
"Emotional Disorders." Right Diagnosis, Health Grades Inc., 2014, www.rightdiagnosis.com/e/emotional‗disorders/intro.htm. Accessed 24 May 2016.
"How Emotional and Behavioral Disorders are Treated." Healthychildren.org, American Academy of Pediatrics, 21 Nov. 2015, www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/How-Emotional-and-Behavioral-Disorders-are-Treated.aspx. Accessed 24 May 2016.
Lehr, Camilla A., and McComas, Jennifer. "Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders: Promoting Positive Outcomes." Impact, The College of Education & Human Development, University of Minnesota, ici.umn.edu/products/impact/182/over1.html. Accessed 24 May 2016.
"What Is An Emotional or Behavioral Disorder?" Pacer Center Action, Pacer Center, www.pacer.org/parent/php/PHP-c81.pdf. Accessed 24 May 2016.
Woods, Richard. "Emotional and Behavioral Disorder." GaDoe, Georgia Department of Education, 2015, www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Special-Education-Services/Pages/Emotional-and-Behavioral-Disorder.aspx. Accessed 24 May 2016.