Behavioral Issues

All children cause their parents problems sometimes, but if tantrums, anger, and other behavioral issues get out of hand, you might benefit from an expert assessment. Katherine Peppers, DNP, CPNP-PC, CPMHS, and her highly skilled colleagues at Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics in Raleigh, North Carolina, have years of experience assessing children’s behavioral issues and treating the underlying causes. Call the office to request a consultation or schedule a behavioral evaluation using the online booking form today.

What are behavioral issues?

Most children behave defiantly, are uncooperative, hyperactive, or aggressive at times, and occasionally have angry outbursts. These behaviors are usually part of children’s natural development, tending to be infrequent and manageable.

However, regular childhood behaviors sometimes become serious and out of control, requiring expert diagnosis and treatment. If your child’s behavioral issues are continual, persistent, disrupt life at home and school, and interfere with their ability to achieve their goals, schedule a consultation at Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics.

What behavioral issues might my child have?

Common behavioral issues include:

• Irritability and frustration
• Restlessness and hyperactivity
• Bullying
• Lying and cheating
• Arguing with authority figures
• Refusing to follow instructions
• Blaming others
• Problems focusing
• Frequent, excessive temper tantrums
• Verbal and/or physical aggression

Coping with behavioral issues is challenging for parents and caregivers, often causing frustration and distress that affects their own mental health.

Why does my child have behavioral issues?

Young children have tantrums when they’re angry, frustrated, and tired. They’re too young to tell you in words what they want or feel, so their distress comes out as a meltdown. However, if these behaviors persist beyond preschool, the child may have behavioral issues caused by one of the following conditions:

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Intellectual disabilities
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Conduct disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
• Intermittent explosive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar disorder

Children and adolescents with these conditions are often unable to manage their emotions. This could be due to a problem with their brain’s development or function.

What help do children with behavioral issues need?

If your child exhibits signs of a behavioral or mental health condition, take them to Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics for an assessment.

The providers specialize in identifying and treating behavioral issues and their causes. They use a strength-based approach, building on a child’s abilities and achievements rather than focusing on their less desirable actions.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused skills help children and teens recognize, understand, and control their emotions and behaviors. Play therapy helps younger children express themselves even when they can’t talk about their feelings.

Call Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics to request a behavioral issue evaluation for your child or schedule a consultation online today.