I'm Worried About My Child - Should I Call a Mental Health Professional?

All children, at some time or another, exhibit behaviorsBeing cruel to animals and/or peopleo Intentionally
that are concerning to their parents, such as notdestroying things/propertyo Stealing
listening, inattentiveness, or having trouble in school. ForOppositional Defiant Disorder
many children, these are temporary problems. ForOppositional Defiant Disorder is a disorder in which
some children, these behaviors are signs of a largerchildren show a pattern of defiant behavior. The key
problem requiring treatment by a mental healthhere is a pattern of behavior. Many children will argue
professional. Parents need to know when behavior iswith their parents occasionally. Children with
not "just a phase" and requires treatment. Below areOppositional Defiant Disorder will do so repeatedly
some common disorders in children and behaviorover a long period of time. Other behaviors include:o
parents may see.Easily losing his/her tempero Refusing to obey
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)requests by adultso Blaming others for their
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is amisbehavioro Seeking revenge
common disorder in children, and involves difficultyFor parents who see some of these behaviors in their
paying attention and impulsive behavior. Thesechildren, it's important to contact a psychiatrist or
difficulties usually occur in multiple settings, such as boththerapist. The behaviors listed here are not an
at home and school. Behaviors include:o Oftenexhaustive list, just some signs for parents to help
interrupts otherso Difficulty with waiting to take turnsothem in deciding whether to contact a mental health
Has a hard time sitting stillo Finds it hard to followprofessional.
instructionsDo you want to learn exactly how to eliminate your
Conduct Disorderchild's out-of-control and defiant behavior without using
Conduct Disorder is a disorder in which childrenPunishments, Time-Outs, Behavioral Plans, or
repeatedly have a hard time behaving in a way that isRewards?
socially appropriate. Behaviors include:o Bullying otherso