Behavioural Difficulties

What Are Behavioral Difficulties?

Behavioural difficulties refer to persistent patterns of disruptive, inappropriate, or socially unacceptable behaviours that interfere with daily functioning. These issues may manifest as aggression, defiance, impulsivity, hyperactivity, or difficulty following rules. It’s often helpful to break it up into difficulty with positive behaviours and the occurrence of challenging behaviours: usually people have both, but the treatments are a little different.


Impact of Behavioral Difficulties on Health

Behavioural difficulties can have significant physiological effects on the body and brain, including:

  • Brain Function – Chronic stress from behavioural issues can alter brain structure and function, particularly in the prefrontal cortex (decision-making) and amygdala (emotional regulation).
  • Hormonal Imbalance – Elevated stress levels can lead to increased cortisol production, which may contribute to anxiety, depression, and weakened immunity.
  • Gastrointestinal Issues—Stress-related behaviours can cause digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, or acid reflux.
  • Immune System Suppression – Prolonged stress and anxiety weaken the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections.


Causes and Risk Factors for Behavioral Problems

Behavioral problems are often caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, such as:

  • Biological Factors – Neurochemical imbalances, brain development, or genetic predisposition (for example ‘emotional sensitivity’, problems with flexibility, difficulties seeing others’ perspective, inattention).
  • Environmental Influences – Sometimes but not always, there is a contribution of stresses such as early aggression or family disruption, abuse/neglect, bullying/exclusion, or inconsistent behaviour management practices.
  • Psychological Conditions – Anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, ADHD, sleep disorders, or Autism can all make it harder for kids to regulate and do the things they’re expected to do.
  • Nutritional/Lifestyle Factors – Lack of a well-balanced diet can affect brain function and emotional regulation, as can a lack of sleep, exercise, and hobbies/socialisation.


Symptoms of Behavioral Problems

  • Aggressive Behaviour – Physical fights, shouting, verbal aggression, or destruction of belongings.
  • Impulsivity and Hyperactivity – Acting without thinking, difficulty staying still, or excessive talking.
  • Defiance and Oppositional Behavior – Refusing to follow rules/instructions, arguing with authority figures, or deliberately annoying others. Note that this often stem from difficulties in doing the things they’ve been asked to do.
  • Social Withdrawal – Avoiding social interactions, lack of interest in friendships, or isolation (including excessive time spent in bedroom).
  • Poor Academic or Work Performance – Difficulty concentrating, problems completing work, frequent absences from school or reluctance to attend, or school/workplace conflicts.
  • Mood Swings – Rapid changes in emotions, frequent tantrums/meltdowns, or episodes of depression and anxiety.


Preventing Behavioral Problems

While not all behavioural problems can be prevented, proactive steps can reduce the risk:

  • Early Intervention – Identifying and addressing symptoms in childhood can prevent more severe issues. This often involves boosting parents’ knowledge and confidence in behaviour management, as well as improving the young person’s self-regulation.
  • Stable Environment – Providing consistent discipline, support, and routine helps foster emotional stability; and improving family wellbeing.
  • Healthy Lifestyle Choices – Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep contribute to mental well-being.
  • Emotional Regulation Techniques – Teaching coping strategies such as mindfulness, muscle relaxation, cold exposure, cognitive restructuring, validation/emotion coaching, and deep breathing.
  • Reducing Screen Time – Having a clear agreement around screen time can increase engagement in healthy outdoor and social activities, limit disruptive behaviour after overstimulation, and reduce a source of arguments/triggers.
  • Positive Reinforcement – Encouraging good behaviour through praise, rewards, and structured discipline.
  • Access to Therapy and Counseling – Professional guidance can help individuals manage and overcome behavioural challenges.


Types of Behavioral Problems

1. Disruptive Behavior Disorders

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) – Characterized by defiance, hostility, and uncooperative behaviour toward authority figures.
  • Conduct Disorder (CD) – More severe than ODD, involving aggression, destruction of property, deceitfulness, and violations of societal norms.


2. Attention and Impulse-Control Disorders

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – Marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
  • Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) – Sudden episodes of aggressive, impulsive, or violent behaviour.


3. Emotional and Mood-Related Disorders

  • Anxiety Disorders – Chronic worry, panic attacks, or irrational fears.
  • Depressive Disorders – Persistent sadness, lack of interest, and emotional instability.
  • Bipolar Disorder – Extreme mood swings between depressive lows and manic highs.


4. Social and Communication Disorders

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – Difficulty in social interactions, repetitive behaviours, and communication challenges.
  • Social Anxiety Disorder – Fear of social interactions leading to withdrawal or avoidance behaviours.


5. Substance-Related Behavioral Problems

  • Addiction and Substance Abuse Disorders – Dependency on drugs or alcohol leads to risky behaviours.
  • Impulse-Control Disorders – Examples include compulsive gambling, kleptomania (stealing), and gaming disorder.


Diagnosis of Behavioral Problems

1. Clinical Interviews

  • Conducted with the individual, family members, teachers, or caregivers to understand behavioural patterns and triggers.


2. Psychological Assessments and Questionnaires

  • Tools like the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Conners' Rating Scale, or DSM-5 Criteria help identify behavioural disorders.


3. Behavioral Observations

  • Watching the individual in different settings (school, home, work) to assess their reactions and interactions.


4. Neurological and Medical Tests

  • Brain scans (MRI, EEG) or blood tests to rule out underlying medical conditions (e.g., hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies).


5. Rule-Out Process

  • Professionals ensure that symptoms are not caused by temporary stress, trauma, or other medical conditions.


Treatment of Behavioral Problems

1. Therapy and Counseling

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Helps individuals recognise and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
  • Behavioural Therapy – Uses reinforcement techniques to encourage positive behaviour, often by addressing barriers to successful completion of tasks and also increasing structure/support.
  • Family Involvement – Strengthens family relationships and improves communication, for example by enhancing quality time and the wellness/cooperation of individuals within the family.


2. Medication

  • ADHD Medications – Such as stimulants (Ritalin, Adderall) for focus and impulse control.
  • Antidepressants – For mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
  • Antipsychotics – In highly severe cases of aggression or psychotic behaviours.


3. Lifestyle Changes

  • Exercise and Physical Activity – Helps reduce hyperactivity and stress.
  • Balanced Diet – Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and a full variety of foods can improve brain function.
  • Structured Routine – Consistency in daily activities can provide stability, including a consistent sleep routine.


4. School or Workplace Accommodations

  • Special education programs or workplace adjustments to help manage symptoms; and enlisting the cooperation of the school can help notice times when the child/teen behaves well so that this can be celebrated and rewarded at home.

5. Support Groups and Community Programs

  • Peer support groups and mentorship programs can provide encouragement and guidance.
  • Involvement in structured out of school activities can also provide a peer group and a chance to practise positive peer interaction skills.


Behavioural problems are complex but manageable with early intervention, proper diagnosis, and tailored treatment strategies. If you or someone you know is experiencing behavioural challenges, seeking professional help is crucial to improving long-term outcomes.