Is something wrong with my kid? How to deal with behavioral problems in kids.

How do I get my child to LISTEN? Why won't she do what I ask? Is he normal?  Many parents have the same fears and concerns. The good news is that most childhood behavior problems are not lasting.  And even better news is that parents can do some concrete things to help teach their child how to behave. This article is meant as a brief overview for parents to outline what options may be available for your child. For more detailed information, several websites provide information about issues and a licensed psychologist who specializes in behavior can be very helpful.

Over the last decade, the number of children diagnosed with attentional disorders, behavior disorders and autism spectrum disorders has skyrocketed, leaving many parents feeling afraid, frustrated and alone. In addition to this, the prescription of psychiatric medication to treat these disorder has risen over the last 20 years, and many parents have serious misgivings about using medication to manage behavior. It is true that some children truly benefit from the use of medication, for ADHD in particular, however this cannot be a replacement for a clear and consistent parenting approach.  The decision to use medication is a personal one, and I have several friends who wish to forgo the medication in favor of staying the course with behavioral and educational approaches.

As a psychologist and behavior specialist, I am often asked to give parents advice about how to deal with their unruly or troubled kids. Here are some practical tips for assessment and treatment. 

Children experience stress from many sources. These include academic performance, friendships, managing expectation from parents and teachers, and peer pressure. Stress, in general, can be a positive thing - it provides the motivation we need to get up when the alarm goes off, to study the spelling list for the quiz, and to play with other children appropriately. When stress becomes overwhelming, it can take its toll, causing hardship, behavioral problems, and emotional distress. Knowing what behavioral clues to look for can be half the battle. As a parent, things to watch for include:

• crying
• avoiding things he/she used to enjoy
• fearful reactions
• clingy behavior
• irritability or moodiness
• sleep problems
• eating issues
• complaining about or avoiding school

It's important to remember that kids all develop at their own pace and that all children (and adults for that matter) have a bad day from time to time. In addition, stressful events such as a move, divorce, additional of a sibling, or loss of a pet, can have an impact on kids.  It is perfectly normal for children to have high energy levels. Then when should you be concerned?

• your child's behavior is disruptive
• interrupts her interaction with other children
• showing signs of social withdrawal
• has difficulty focusing his attention
• impulsive or aggressive behavior

If your child's behavior is not appropriate for his/her age, if it is a pattern of ongoing behavior, or it is interfering with his/her growth, education or development, it may be time to consult a professional. Medication is just one option that may be explored, and you should be sure educate yourself about possible benefits and side effects of any medication. The prescribing physician (preferably a child psychiatrist) will tell you the information about the drug and the ultimate decision is yours. If you choose to pass on the medication, other options are available. These may include:

• behavioral treatment, which would be tailored for your child.
• parent education
• social skills training
• family support services
• in home services

 If you or someone you know needs help or is in trouble ASK A PSYCHOLOGIST!

It's just my ADHD kicking in....

Over the last several years, there has been a great deal of attention given to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), formerly known as Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD, in children. This disorder is largely considered a disorder of childhood, however, if you WERE diagnosed in childhood, it is quite possible that you still have some of the symptoms or characteristics. But what many people don't know is that you can be first diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood.

Adult ADHD is frustrating and can interfere with normal, everyday functioning. And it can be treated very effectively with behavioral strategies, therapy, and/or medication (in severe cases). In many instances, ADHD has been missed in childhood, and before it was commonly known, children might have been labeled as "bad kids", lazy, class clown, day dreamer, or slacker. The fact is, ADHD can be present, and undiagnosed, in adults for many years. They learn to compensate for their difficulties, and find careers that fit their disorganized or unfocused way of life.

www.Helpguide.org is a nonprofit website that provides information about ADHD and outlines several Myths about Adult ADHD and provides the facts:

MYTH: ADHD is just a lack of willpower. People with ADHD are just undisciplined and lazy.
FACT: ADHD is a real problem and is a chemical imbalance in the brain that affects planning, impulse control and focus.

MYTH: All kids have trouble with attention, and they will grow out of it when they become adults.
FACT: While many children have difficulty paying attention at all times, and some have a high level of energy, one would be diagnosed with ADHD if these symptoms interfere with their successful functioning. In addition, The symptoms of ADHD can change over time, and appear very different in adults.

MYTH: People who have ADHD don't have any other mental health disorders.
FACT: Those with ADHD are 6 times more likely to have a co-occurring disorder or learning disability.

MYTH: You have to have been diagnosed with ADHD as a child to have it as an adult.
FACT: Many adults struggle for years with symptoms of ADHD that have gone undetected, unrecognized, and untreated.

Signs and symptoms of ADHD in adulthood are:

• Difficulty concentrating and staying on task.
• Becoming hyperfocused and blocking out all other stimuli.
• Lack of organization and forgetfulness.
• Problems controlling their emotions.
• Restlessness, agitation or hyperactivity.

Untreated, ADHD can cause problems in everyday life, such as relationship difficulties, financial and work problems, emotional and physical concerns. People with ADHD are more likely to have auto and other types of accidents. In addition, they often neglect routine checkups and do not take care of their physical health. Finally, adults with ADHD can be disorganized and fail to take care of bills and other obligations (i.e. renewing drivers license, etc).

The good news is that there is help available.  Therapy, coaching, training in organization and planning, and/or effective medications such as Concerta, Straterra, Adderral or Ritalin, can help minimize the negative effects of ADHD on both children and adults.In addition, the following article provides self-help strategies for ADHD.

http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_adult_strategies.htm

Don't forget, HELP IS AVAILABLE.  Want to know more? ASK ME!

Celebrity Rehab, Intervention, Hoarders and Obsessed: Media brings light to mental health disorders

So, is that the way is REALLY is? This is a common question people ask when discussing these increasingly popular reality shows. Over the last several years, mental health disorders have been in the spotlight in television shows like Celebrity Rehab, Intervention, Hoarders and Obsessed. But is their portrayal of these disorders accurate?

Yes. And no. Mental illness and mental health disorders are complex, and are never that cut and dried. The facts are sobering (pun intended) and the reality is that, according to statistic from the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), 26.2 percent of adults aged 18 and older suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder in a given year. That's more than 1 in 4. 57.7 million people. Staggering. Preventable? Maybe. Treatable? Definitely.

Approximately 6 percent of those suffer from what is called a "serious mental illness". And, nearly half of those diagnosed with one mental health disorder, are diagnosed with 2 or more. Mental disorders are the number 1 cause of disability in the United States.

Some of the most common disorders are Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder), Anxiety Disorders (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety and Phobia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), Disorders in Childhood (Autism, Aspergers), Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder), as well as Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

So, is the way that television portrays these disorders accurate? In a very generalized way, the individuals featured on these shows represent the extreme examples of the mental health disorders. Are there actually people who hoard items to the point that they cannot move in their homes? Sure. But more than likely, most patients have a combination of symptoms and a lesser form of hoarding.

When should you get help for a mental health disorder? If your symptoms are interfering with your normal daily routine, you are missing work, or your happiness is compromised, it is time to seek assistance. There are many very effective, research based, time limited treatments for many disorders, and finding an experienced and skilled psychologist is important in recovery. A psychologist is a professional who is most likely a doctor, and has specialized training and extensive experience in diagnosis, assessment and treatment of most common mental health disorders.

Do I need medication? Maybe, but not necessarily. Most mental health disorders respond quite well to therapy with a skilled psychologist. Some people have an imbalance in their chemical makeup, and require medication while they are developing skills to manage their symptoms. Psychologists will assess the need for referral to a psychiatrist. The fact is, that the majority of people receive anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications, and stimulants for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) from their primary care physician. A psychiatrist is an important part of any medication plan and should communicate regularly with the psychologist.

Where to turn? Several sources list outpatient providers of psychological and psychiatric services. Check with the provider to see if they accept insurance or for payment structures. Clink on one of the links below to find a licensed psychologist.

http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/index.aspx

http://web.memberclicks.com/mc/prelogin.do;jsessionid=9C5178BA07C75DFB7B7266E65D58477F.mc1

http://www.findapsychologist.org/

For more information about mental health disorders see the website of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml) or the website of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association (http://www.papsy.org/).


Or, for more information ASK ME!! You don't have to suffer alone....