‘Behavioral disorder’ is a general term for a wide range of health issues.

The common thread is that these disorders:

• Make you do things over and over that go against social norms or rules
• Negatively impact your daily life in a big way
• Derail your family life and friendships

Two common behavioral disorders we treat are ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). There are many others, including:

• Narcissistic personality disorder
• Antisocial behavior disorder
• Hypersexuality
• Conduct disorder
• Skin picking disorder
• REM sleep behavior disorder
• Hoarding disorder

ADHD

ADHD typically develops early in life. Most of the time, doctors diagnose it in kids and teens. Sometimes, people find out they have ADHD as adults.

ADHD makes it hard to do well in school, work, and at home. An ADHD diagnosis requires ongoing behavior problems in at least 2 areas of concern. 

• Inattention: You may have trouble focusing, staying organized, following directions, or finishing tasks. You often forget about meetings or lose things.
• Hyperactivity: You often fidget and feel restless. You have trouble sitting still or staying quiet. Kids with ADHD may run or climb at the wrong times.
• Impulsivity: You may blurt out answers to questions, interrupt someone, or have trouble waiting your turn. You might use someone’s things without asking or take over what someone else is doing.

ODD

All kids and teens argue or push back on rules at times. Kids and teens with ODD argue with parents and authority figures very often. They are often angry, irritable, hostile, uncooperative, and vindictive toward others. 

This affects their family, school, and social life. Left untreated, ODD raises the risk of substance use, job problems, and suicide.

At Carilion, we use age-appropriate care. We first start with an assessment. This in-depth testing gives us a total review of you or your child’s mental health. We then create a care plan in line with your needs and values.

Medicines

Mental health medicine can help control the symptoms of behavioral disorders. Common ADHD medicines include:

• Stimulants: These raise the level of chemicals in the brain that help with thinking and attention. They're the most common medicine given for ADHD.
• Non-stimulants: These take longer to start working but can also improve focus and attention.

Talk therapy

Talk therapy, also called mental health counseling, can help you, your child, and your family. Types of therapy that can be helpful for behavioral disorders include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy: Therapy that teaches you to notice the thoughts and behaviors that cause you trouble. It also gives you tools to help you change these thoughts and behaviors.
• Parent-child interaction therapy: A therapist in another room will give you real-time coaching through an earpiece as you interact with your kid.
• Social thinking curriculum: A class that helps kids grow their social and communication skills. They learn to think about someone else’s point of view and feelings.

School-based care

If your kid is struggling in school, they may need an agreement with their school for programs and services to help them succeed. This is an individualized education plan (IEP). The IEP lays out what support the school will provide. 

At Carilion, we can help you write your kid’s IEP. Our social workers also help connect you to local resources and support.