Behavioral Issues in Lexington, Richmond & Frankfort KY

Does your child sometimes make poor choices, get into trouble at home or school, or sometimes display oppositional behavior with adults? If your child or the child of a loved one experiences excessive acting out behaviors, seeking professional help may be the answer. As an adult, behavioral issues may present in the form of unlawful acts, addiction, unhealthy relationships, aggression, or defiance at work or at home.

Behavioral Disorders Signs and Symptoms

There are many behavioral disorders for children or adults. The website http://psychcentral.com/disorders/ provides a list of recognized mental health disorders. Some of these  behaviors may include constant confrontation with others, often breaking the rules, defiance, tantrum-like behavior, criminal activity, poor peer relationships, etc. Examples of the more common types of disorders that may explain behavioral issues include the following:

Child

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD),

ADHD and Autism, https://chadd.org/about-adhd/adhd-and-autism-spectrum-disorder/   

Autism, https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism

Conduct Disorder, http://psychcentral.com/disorders/conduct-disorder-symptoms/   Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, http://psychcentral.com/disorders/symptoms-of-disruptive-mood-dysregulation-disorder/  

Oppositional Defiant Disorder, http://psychcentral.com/disorders/oppositional-defiant-disorder-symptoms/

Adult

Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD), http://psychcentral.com/disorders/adhd/     Bipolar Disorder, http://psychcentral.com/disorders/bipolar/   Intermittent Explosive Disorder, http://psychcentral.com/disorders/intermittent-explosive-disorder-symptoms/

The part of the brain called Executive Functioning influences decision making, ability to pay attention, avoiding or doing the right or wrong thing, remembering details, and even forgetting social norms. Executive Functioning can be weakened by a mental health disorder like ADHD, depression, or brain or head trauma. The good news is that even though it can be weakened, it can also be strengthened. Go to http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/executive-function for more details on Executive Functioning.  The following video demonstrates strategies to improve executive functioning and improve social  interactions with others http://wn.com/executive_functioning .

Treatment and Support

There are many treatment options that can help support families and individuals facing behavioral problems. Family or group therapy may be the best treatment approach. Parent training is also a highly effective treatment intervention when facing behavioral issues of children. Specific treatments such as Behavioral Modification strategies, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, co-parenting strategies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Social Thinking, and medication management are available that will work best to address behavioral issues. Individual therapy is also a highly effective treatment approach that is effective for both children and adults.

A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPCC), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or a Psychologist are all trained mental health professionals that provide counseling to both children and adults who are experiencing behavioral issues. You would work with your therapist on establishing a treatment plan that works best for you.

Ways to Get Help

If you or a loved one are experiencing behavioral issues that is affecting your home, school, or work, then there is help for you. Working alongside a qualified mental health professional can help decrease many symptoms and behaviors that are associated with behavioral issues.

Seeking treatment for Behavioral Issues is easy. Select a professional , we recommend a  psychologist, LPCC or LCSW first to have an assessment performed. Individual or Group Therapy may be what will make the difference! Many therapists on our team are trained to address the complexities of behavioral issues and have many resources to utilize for treatment. If  you need help, call us at 859-338-0466 or contact us today!