Behavioural Problems

Behavioural problems are consistent, long-term patterns of actions that cause disruption in either his/her or other people’s lives.

Behaviour, in general, is simply a form of response to situations or stimuli. It is part of the cycle with our thoughts and emotions. Meaning, the way we understand situations or “triggers” affects the way we feel and the way we act on it.

However, biological difficulties (i.e. developmental delay, autism, auditory processing disorder, etc.) is one big group of factors that trigger behavioural problems. If the brain is underdeveloped, for example, the child or adult may have trouble understanding information and therefore, find it difficult to respond and react.

Brain disorders, specifically, could spontaneously disrupts one’s way of thinking and feeling leading to amplifying their reactions into long hours of temper tantrums, meltdowns, self-harm and/or hitting other people.

Some behavioural problems, on the other hand, look ordinary at a glance–brushing teeth, washing plates, locking doors etc. But doing these repetitively for long hours without any sense of satisfaction may make it difficult to be more productive and may isolate them in the long run.

Obsessions and compulsions are only a few of the many behavioural problems that a lot of people struggle with every day. Continue reading below to find out other types of behavioural problems and how we can help you with it!

1. Unusual behaviour for the certain age
2. Being withdrawn, fearful, anxious, and upset most of the time
3. Too frequent thumb sucking, tics, and stuttering
4. Significant changes in feelings and behaviour
5. Separation difficulties or attachment problems with family
6. Difficulty in managing anger and frustration
7. Limited, repetitive, and poor-quality play
8. Trouble on maintaining focus and completing tasks
9. Frequent defiance and refusal to follow instructions

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

1. Frequent tantrums
2. Defiance
3. Low self-esteem
4. Blaming others for misdeeds
5. Easily angered, annoyed, or irritated
6. Will deliberately try to annoy or aggravate others

Conduct Disorder (CD)

1. Repeated absenteeism
2. Lack of empathy
3. Keenness to start physical fights (some even use weapons)
4. Being aggressive and sadistic towards animals and people
5. Frequent lying
6. Refusal to obey authority figures (i.e. parents, teachers, older people)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder  (OCD)

People with OCD typically have these common obsessive thoughts and behaviours:

1. Phobias:
2. Excessive focus or mania on a idea or thing
3. Order and symmetry
4. Superstitions
5. Excessive double-checking
6. Repetitive checking in on loved ones
7. Tapping, repeating certain words, and other uncommon behaviours to reduce anxiety
8. Overcleaning
9. Excessive on rituals
10. Hoarding objects (usually unusable)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

1. Inattention
2. Impulsivity
3. Overactivity

There is no one cause of behavioural problems. However, research acknowledges the following factors that increase risks of children to have these problems:

1. Gender: Boys are more likely to be more deviant than girls (can be genetic or social pressures)
2. Learning difficulties: The inability to read and write can lead to frustration and behavioural issues
3. Intellectual disabilities
4. Brain development: Some areas of the brain appear to be smaller in volume and less inactive
5. Temperament: Children who are not taught to manage their emotions at an early age might have problems handling them later in life
6. Prenatal complications