Common Behavioural Problems of Adolescents

 

Common Behavioural Problems of Adolescents

1.ADDICTIONS:

Teen Drug Abuse Is a Major Problem

»           Drug use has many damaging consequences.

»          It leads to poor health, dangerous behavior, and long-term economic problems.

»          It impairs the ability to learn and sustain positive life-affirming activities such as long-term work and strong positive relationships.

»         Adolescent drug abuse is one of the main factors in adult drug abuse problems.

»          50% of adults with substance abuse problems started as teens.

»         The younger the age, the more likely they will have drug abuse problems in adulthood.

The effects of drug abuse in adolescents

1. Impaired thinking skills

2. Difficulty keeping jobs

3. Difficulty keeping relationships

4. Economic hardships

5. Lost interest in valuable activities (education, job skills, etc.)

6. Inability to concentrate

7. Poor judgment regarding driving and sex

8. Liver failure and other types of serious medical issues

9. Psychotic episodes (especially from methamphetamine and synthetic drugs)

Causes for drug abuse

q  Adolescents experiment with drugs or continue taking them for several reasons, including:

1.To fit:

»          Many teens use drugs “because others are doing it” or

   they think others are doing it and they fear not being accepted

   in a social circle that includes drug-using peers.

2.To feel good:

»         Abused drugs interact with the neurochemistry of the brain to produce feelings of pleasure.

»         The intensity of this euphoria differs by the type of drug and how it is used.

3.To feel better:

»         Some adolescents suffer from depression, social anxiety, stress related disorders, and physical pain. 

»         Stress especially plays a significant role in starting and continuing drug use as well as returning to drug use (relapsing) for those recovering from an addiction.

4.To do better:

»          Ours is a very competitive society, in which the

  pressure to perform athletically and academically can

  be intense.

»          Some may turn to certain drugs like illegal or

»         prescription stimulants because they think those substances will enhance or improve their performance.

5.To experiment:

»         Adolescents are often motivated to seek new experiences, particularly those they perceive as thrilling or daring.

Other reasons may be as follows....

»         1.To fit in.

»         2.To relieve stress.

»         3.Easy access to drugs.

»         4.Poor impulse control.

»         5.Genetic predisposition to drug abuse.

»         6.To find balance between responsibilities.

»         7.To self-medicate mental or emotional problems.

»         8.To explore their curiosity.

»         9.Dependence and addiction.

»         10.Easyavailability.

Risk factors

Ø  Negative attitudes, values or beliefs.

Ø  Low self-esteem.

Ø  Drug, alcohol or solvent abuse.

Ø  Poverty.

Ø  Children of parents in conflict with the law.

Ø  Homelessness.

Ø  Presence of neighborhood crime.

Ø  Early and repeated anti-social behavior.

Other risk factors are,

1. Peer pressure.
2. Glamorized in media – music, movies, and video games.
3.  Lax attitudes – legalization, political agendas, and medicinal uses.
4.  Poor choice of friends.
5. Unsupervised time.
6. Family problems and history with drugs and alcohol.

 

 

 

Avoiding Teenage Drug Abuse

q  If you want to help your child stay away from drug abuse, there are some things you can do prevent it.

–         Talk to your child about drugs often.

–          Provide access to positive role models.

–          Inspire your child to be active in a faith-based organization.

–          Develop a strong bond with your teenager.

–          Foster a belief that drugs are dangerous.

–         Be clear about your expectations.

–          Set boundaries.

–          Give emotional support.

–          Communicate openly.

2. AGGRESSION

»         Aggressive behavior is reactionary and impulsive behavior that often results in breaking household rules or the law; aggressive behavior is violent and unpredictable.

»           Aggression can a problem for children with both normal development and those with psychosocial disturbances.

»          Aggression constitutes intended harm to another individual, even if the attempt to harm fails (such as a bullet fired from a   gun that misses its human target).

»           Differences exist between levels of aggression in boys and girls in the same families.

»         Boys are almost always more aggressive than girls.

»         Larger children are more aggressive than smaller ones.

»          Active and intrusive children are also more aggressive than    passive or reserved ones.

Causes for Aggression

»         There is no single theory about the causes of aggressive behaviour in humans.

»         Some believe aggression is innate or instinctive.

»          Social theorists suggest the breakdown in commonly, shared values, changes in traditional family.

»         Patterns of child-rearing, and social isolation lead to increasing aggression in children, adolescents, and adults.

»          Aggression in children correlates with family unemployment, strife, criminality, and psychiatric disorders.

»           Aggressive behavior may be intentional or unintentional.

»          Many hyperactive, clumsy children are accidentally aggressive, but their intentions are compassionate.

What Causes Aggressive Behaviour?

ü  Physical health.

ü  Mental health.

ü  Family structure.

ü  Relationships with others.

ü  Work or school environment.

ü  Societal or socioeconomic factors.

ü  Individual traits.

ü  Life experiences.

 

 

8 Causes for Aggression In Adolescence:

       Over the years, researchers have done a lot of research on aggression in adolescence and they have been able to identify several factors. Some of these factors are as follows:

1. Traumatic Event:

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2. Abuse:

»         Physical or sexual abuse is another reason for aggressive behavior among teenagers.

Ÿ  This abuse makes them feel angry, inadequate and ashamed.

Ÿ  Because they are unable to tell anyone about the abuse, it manifests in the form of aggression.

3. Psychiatric Disorders:

»         Some teenagers may suffer from psychiatric disorders, such as:

Ÿ  Panic disorder

Ÿ  Bipolar disorder

Ÿ  Schizophrenia

Ÿ  Depression

Ÿ  PTSD

4. Medical Disorders:

»         In several cases medical issues erupts the aggressive side in teenagers, as well.

Ÿ  Brain damage, epilepsy, mental retardation and Tourette’s syndrome are some of the other causes of disruptive and aggressive behavior among teenagers.

Ÿ  With proper medical examination and diagnosis, these medical disorders can be treated and the aggression can be brought under control.

5. ADHD and Learning Disorders:

»          Teenagers suffering from learning disorders and ADHD have several social and emotional difficulties.

»          This may come across as the teen being aggressive and angry.

6. Addiction and Abuse:

»          Many teenagers experiment with drugs and alcohol.

»          However, when they become addicted or start abusing alcohol and drug regularly, it can lead to aggressive behavior.

7. Peer Pressure:

»           Teenagers yearn to be accepted and become part of a group.

»          If this does not happen, it can cause pain and anger, leading to aggressive behavior.

8. Low Self-Esteem:

»           Some adolescents have low self-esteem and they try to cover this up through aggression.

»         This is especially true when they are among their peers.

 

SIX SOLUTIONS TO TEENAGE AGGRESSION:

1. Counseling:

»         Take your teenager for individual counseling.

»         Talking to trained and licensed professional is recommended.

»         This can make your adolescent take responsibility for their behavior and also resolve problems with their relationships.

2. Family Counseling:

»         It could be a good idea to involve the whole family in counseling.

»         Talking to one another and being guided by professional and trained therapists can be extremely helpful.

»         This can resolve conflicts and relationship problems that are causing aggressive behavior in your teenager.

3. Medication:

»         If the adolescent has been diagnosed with psychiatric or neurological problem, like epilepsy or depression, taking the right prescription medication can reduce

aggression.

4. Behavioral Contracts:

»         You can try and set up behavioral contracts with your teenagers, which force them to take responsibility for their behavior and conduct.

Ÿ  List down positive behaviors that you expect and the reward they will earn for those behaviors.

Ÿ  Do not offer material things as rewards.

Ÿ  Instead, focus on natural consequences, such as going for a movie with friends or getting homework pass once a week.

5. House Rules:

»         Create a set of house rules that your adolescents have to follow whether they like it or not.

Ÿ  Make the rules clear.

Ÿ  Also let your teenager know that he or she will have to bear with the consequences, if the rules are broken.

6. Relaxation Techniques:

»         Teach relaxation techniques to your teenagers to cope with their stress.

Ÿ  If your teenager is burdened with homework or experiences extreme peer pressure, this will be quite useful.

Ÿ  Also, in turn, this will ease aggressive behaviors.

Ÿ  Teach them to use the techniques when they get angry and stressed.

Prevention of Aggression

1.Set out clear expectations.

2.Build rapport and be understanding.

3.Show cultural sensitivity.

4.Avoid negative talk.

5.Don’t assume or make judgments.

6.Be encouraging.

7.Avoid power struggles.

8.Manage problems.

3.ANXIETY

»           Anxiety that is too constant or too intense can cause a person to feel preoccupied, distracted, tense, and always on alert. 

»          Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions.

»          They affect people of all ages — adults, children, and teens.

Disorders that kids can get include:

Ÿ  Generalized anxiety. ...

Ÿ  Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). ...

Ÿ  Phobias. ...

Ÿ  Social phobia (social anxiety). ...

Ÿ  Panic attacks. ...

Ÿ  Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What causes anxiety disorders?

»           Anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of life events, heredity, temperament, and biochemical factors.

»          In some ways, anxiety disorders are like allergies: We can identify the problem easily enough, but only through a careful evaluation.

»          Can identify circumstances that cause anxiety disorders be identified and effectively treated as well as the underlying thinking and behaviors that are fueling the anxiety.

Causes of anxiety

q  These factors may increase your risk of developing an anxiety disorder:

1.Trauma:

»         Children who endured abuse or trauma or witnessed   traumatic events are at higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder at some point in life.

»          Adults who experience a traumatic event also can develop anxiety disorders.

2.Stress due to an illness:

»         Having a healthy condition or serious illness can cause significant worry about issues such as your treatment and your future.

3.Stress buildup:

»         A big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety- for example, a death in the family, work stress or ongoing worry about finances.

4.Personality:

»          People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders than others are.

5.Other mental health disorders:

»         People with other mental health disorders, such as depression, often also have an anxiety disorder.

6.Having blood relatives with an anxiety disorder:

»         Anxiety disorders can run in families.

7. Drugs or alcohol:

»         Drug or alcohol use or misuses or withdrawal can cause or worsen anxiety.

Symptoms

Common anxiety signs and symptoms includes:

1.Feeling nervous, restless or tense.

2.Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.

3.Having an increased heart rate.

4.Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)

5.Sweating.

6.Trembling.

7.Feeling weak or tired.

8.Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry.

9.Having trouble sleeping.

10.Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems.

11.Having difficulty controlling worry.

12.Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety.

Self-Treatment

Ÿ   Physical activity, a healthy diet, regular sleep and relaxation exercises may all help to reduce anxiety.

Ÿ   Joining a support group may also help.

Ÿ  To manage symptoms effectively, it’s best to avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.

4. TRUANCY

q  Truancy is unapproved absence from school, usually without a parent's knowledge.

WHAT IS TRUANCY?

»         An unexcused absence from school

»         States enact school attendance laws which determine:

»         the age at which a child is required to begin attending school

»         the age at which a child may legally drop out of school

»         the number of unexcused absences which make a student legally truant

»         In many states, youth missing more than 10 days of school are required to repeat the entire school year.

»         Truancy is a major problem nationwide, yet states do little to prevent it and little to re-engage truant youth.

CAUSES OF TRUANCY

q  Truancy can be caused by a wide range of factors. Often, multiple factors may cause truancy.

1.School:

»          A School is responsible for creating a safe learning environment, tracking student attendance, communicating with parents, and ensuring that all policies are clear, consistent, and   communicated. Common ways a school may cause truancy   include:

»          unmet needs.

»          undiagnosed learning difficulties.

»         Un addressed mental health issues and bullying.

2. Parents:

»          Parents or guardians are responsible for sending minors to school, every day and on time.

»         Ways a parent or guardian may encourage truancy include:

Ÿ   Poor parenting skills.

Ÿ   inability to supervise children.

Ÿ   neighborhood violence.

Ÿ   abuse and neglect.

Ÿ   pressure to stay home or work to help the family.

Ÿ   placing little value on education.

3. Youth:

»          The youth also has a responsibility to show up at school, help create a positive environment, and follow instructions from staff, teachers, and other adults.

q  Some youth-related causes for truancy are:

Ÿ  Giving into peer pressure to skip school.

Ÿ  pregnancy.

Ÿ  bullying.

Ÿ  mental health issues.

Ÿ  boredom.

Ÿ  lack of ambition.

Ÿ  poor grades (especially being held back a grade.)

Ÿ  being behind on school work.

Ÿ  low self-esteem.

Ÿ  drug and alcohol use.

Ÿ  participation in gang activity.

Ÿ  having no friends or social involvement at school.

What are the effects of Truancy?

q  Youth who routinely miss school have an increased risk of:

Ÿ  falling behind in school.

Ÿ  not graduating.

Ÿ  becoming socially isolated.

Ÿ  engaging in delinquent behaviours.

Ÿ  breaking the law.

Ÿ  substance abuse.

Ÿ  unstable relationships.

Ÿ  unemployment.

Ÿ  mental health issues.

Ÿ  violence.

Ÿ  going to jail.

How can you minimize Truancy?

1.Create a positive classroom environment with hands on activities, group discussions, and active participation.

2.Build positive relationships with students and parents.

3.Discuss truancies with parents or guardians.

4.Implement incentives for attendance.

5.Implement options for credit recovery.

Strategies to improve school attendance:

q  Here are some strategies to improve school attendance,

1.Make school a welcoming and engaging place.

2.Connect with at-risk students.

3.Involve parents.

4.Award PBIS points for attendance achievements.

5.Focus on attendance schoolwide.

Preventing Chronic Absenteeism & Truancy

1. Attendance Monitoring.

2. Prevention Strategies and Programs.

3. Health-related efforts.

4. Reducing Common Illnesses through Hand washing.

5. Improving Respiratory Health through Improved Ventilation.

6. Improving Student Mental Health.

7. Enhancing school culture and community.

8. Increasing Student Engagement.

9. Mentoring Students for Academic Success.

10. Parent and family outreach and partnerships.

 

5.ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

»         Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders, affecting between 8 and 10 percent of children and teens.

»          Teens with ADHD may be hyperactive, act impulsively, or   struggle to sit still or pay attention.

»          “Adolescent boys with ADHD are their own worst enemies because they refuse to ask for help.”

Causes of ADHD

1. Brain injury.
2. Exposure to environmental (e.g. Lead) during pregnancy or at a young age.
3. Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy.
4. Premature delivery.
5. Low birth weight.

Symptoms

ü  The primary features of ADHD include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behaviour.

ü  ADHD symptoms starts before age 12, and in some children, they are noticeable as early as 3 years of age.

ü  ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, and they may continue into adulthood.

There are three subtypes of ADHD:

1.Predominantly inattentive: The majority of symptoms fall under inattention.

2.Predminantly hyperactive/impulsive: The majority of symptoms are hyperactive and impulsive.

3.Combined: This is a mix of inattentive symptoms and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.

1. Inattention

  A child who shows a pattern of inattention may often;

»         Fail to pay close attention to details or make careless mistakes in school work.

»         Have trouble staying focused in tasks or play.

»         Appear not to listen, even when spoken to directly.

»         Have difficulty following through on instructions and fail to finish schoolwork or chores.

»         Have trouble organizing tasks and activities.

»         Avoid or dislike tasks that require focused mental effort, such as homework.

»         Lose in terms needed for tasks or activities, for example, toys, school assignments, pencils.

»         Be easily distracted.

»         Forget to do some daily activities, such as forgetting to do chores.

2, Hyperactivity and impulsivity

   A child who shows a pattern of hyperactive and impulsive symptoms may often;

»         Fidget with or tap his or her hands or feet, or squirm in the seat.

»         Have difficulty staying seated in the classroom or in the other situations.

»         Be on the go, in constant motion.

»         Run around or climb in situations when it’s not appropriate.

»         Have trouble playing or doing an activity quietly.

»         Talk too much.

»         Blurt out answers, interrupting the questioner.

»         Have difficulty waiting for his or her turn.

»         Interrupt or intrude on other’s conversations, games or activities.

Common ADHD symptoms include:

1.Inattention.

2.Lack of focus.

3.Poor time management.

4.Weak impulse control.

5.Exaggerated emotions.

6.Hyperfocus.

7.Hyperactivity.

8.Executive dysfunction.

Complications

q  ADHD can make life difficult for children. Children with ADHD:

»         Often struggle in the classroom, which can lead to academic failure and judgment by other children and adults.

»          Tend to have more accidents a DHD.

»          Tend to have poor self-esteem.

»          Are more likely to have trouble interacting with and being accepted by peers and adults.

»          Are at increased risk of alcohol and drug abuse   and other delinquent behaviour.

Practical Strategies for Treating ADHD without drugs

1.Provide a balanced breakfast.

2.Consider the Feingold diet.

3.Limit television and video games.

4.Teach self-talk skills.

5.Find out what interests your child.

6.Promote a strong physical education programme in your child’s school.

7.Enroll your child in a martial arts programme.

8.Discover your child’s multiple intelligences.

7 Ways to Calm your Child with ADHD

1.Follow instructions.

2.Be consistent with your parenting.

3.Break up homework with activities.

4.Form the behaviour.

5.Allow them to fidget.

6.Let your child play before taking on big tasks.

7.Help them practice relaxation.