PROBLEM KIDS

Volume 5 Issue 3 Mar 2015

Children do suffer from various behavioural problems. These behavioural problems interfere in their academics and result in frequent punishments from parents and teachers. This article aims to create awareness regarding childhood behavioural problems in brief.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): The clinical features include:

1. Attention problems: Not able to focus for more than few minutes in studies, gets easily distracted, does not remember what oral instructions are given in school, loses things more frequently compared to other children, “day dreaming” or “lost on his world”.
2. Hyperactivity: Not able to sit at one place, constant fidgeting, talking excessively, moving around the class even if teacher is present, at home keep on moving around, climbing on windows, jumping all around.
3. Impulsivity: Difficulty in waiting for his turn to come, blurting out answers without listening to questions, jumping out from running bus, crossing roads without looking for vehicles.

Treatment includes stimulant medicines like Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine along with behaviour modifications including positive reinforcement and time out.

CONDUCT DISORDER: Here the behaviour of child is such that the basic rights of others are violated or rules of society are not followed.

1. Child is very manipulative; tell lies to obtain goods or to avoid obligations.
2. Stealing, Running away from school (truancy) or staying away from home over night without informing his whereabouts.
3. Cruelty towards animals, Use of sharp instruments to threaten or harm others or self with knife or other sharps.
4. Indulging in risky behaviour like setting fires, breaking glasses of others, assaulting elder children, use of bad words to them, use of drugs, risky sexual behaviour or assault.

Treatment consists of medicines (Low dose of Antipsychotics) to control anger outbursts, impulsivity, drug abuse, etc, even though the benefits are limited. Behaviour therapy along with social skills training is also helpful.

OPPOSTIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER: Clinical features include:

1. Child frequently lies about simple things eg. not admitting to his mistakes, blaming others for wrong deeds, etc.
2. Loses temper easily, gets annoyed easily.
3. Gets into arguments with elders, Refuses to comply with the rules or requests of elders.
4. Deliberately annoys others.

Treatment is mainly directed towards discouraging child’s oppositional behaviour along with positive reinforcement and praising of appropriate behaviour.

INTERNET ADDICTION/ GAMING ADDICTION: Problem of child spending time on games and internet is gaining much attention nowdays. Symptoms may include:

1. Neglecting studies, other social activities and avoiding physical activity like play.
2. Irritability when resisted to play such games or to use internet.

Treatment involves encouraging the child to spend time in other activities like outdoor games. Time management with regards to studies and time in games may help. Medicines may be helpful to control aggression, sleep disturbances and depression which are common with internet addiction.