Emotional Disturbance in Lexington, Richmond & Frankfort KY

What is Emotional Disturbance?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) defines emotional disturbance as a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child’s educational performance:

1. An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors.
   
2.  An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers.
   
3. Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances.
   
4. A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression.
   
5. A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems.
   
6. Signs & Symptoms
   
7. Some of the characteristics and behaviors seen in children who have an emotional disturbance include:
   

• Hyperactivity
• Aggression or self-injurious behavior 
  
• Withdrawal 
  
• Immaturity 
  
• Learning difficulties
  

Children with the most serious emotional disturbances may exhibit distorted thinking, excessive anxiety, bizarre motor acts, and abnormal mood swings, as well. 

Two common emotional disturbances include conduct disorder and psychotic disorder. Conduct disorder refers to a group of behavioral and emotional problems in children and adolescents that have great difficulty following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable way. Symptoms may include: aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness, lying or stealing, or truancy or other violations of rules. Psychotic disorder is umbrella term used to refer to severe mental disorders that cause abnormal thinking and perceptions. Two of the main symptoms are delusions and hallucinations.

Diagnosis & Treatment Options

Emotional disorders are typically treated with a combination of medications and psychosocial interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, family psychoeducation, social skills training, interpersonal psychotherapy, or relaxation training. 

Children and adolescents with an emotional disturbance should receive services based on their individual needs. Additionally, everyone involved in their education or care needs to be well-informed about the care that they are receiving. It’s important to coordinate services between home, school, and community, in order to keep the communication channels open between all parties involved.

There Is Hope!

Families often need help in understanding their child’s disability and how to address the needs that arise from emotional disturbance. Help is available from psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals. Please contact our office or visit these sites for more information on emotional disturbances. 

http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Special-Education/Students-with-Disabilities/Emotional-Disturbances



http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/emotionaldisturbance/