Disruptive Behavior Disorders

ADD affects a significant number of school-age children and can persist through adolescence into adulthood. Symptoms of this disorder include difficulty maintaining concentration on work or play activities, trouble following instructions and completing tasks, and an inability to follow a conversation on a specific subject for more than a few minutes. Although most children experience difficulty with maintaining focus, the severity and persistence of these symptoms can make daily activities particularly challenging to children with this disorder. If you suspect your child or adolescent may have ADD,or if you suspect you may have an adult for form of this disorder, it is critical that you obtain a professional diagnosis. Wellness Family Therapy offers mental health practitioners with extensive experience diagnosing and treating this disorder.

Difficulty concentrating, inability to maintain discussions on a single topic, and all other symptoms of attention deficit disorder are present with ADHD. However, sufferers of this disorder cope with their concentration difficulties by engaging in hyperactive behavior. Those affected by this disorder may find themselves constantly fidgeting, experiencing excessive levels of impatience, repeatedly interrupting others' conversations and activities, and being unable to resist acting out on impulses. Because ADHD is similar, but not identical to ADD, it is important to differentiate between the two in order to receive the most effective treatment. Wellness Family Therapy specialized mental health professionals have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating this disorder.

It is natural for children and adolescents to throw tantrums, talk back, and express other forms of defiance. However, minors with oppositional defiance disorder exhibit hostility to such a degree that their behavior negatively impacts their lives and the lives their caretakers. Signs of ODD may include spiteful and vengeful behavior, frequent outbursts of anger, confrontational posture, plain refusal to comply with rules, verbal obscenities, and deliberate attempts to be antagonistic and disruptive towards others. If you suspect your child is at risk for this disorder, you can book an appointment with our intake specialist today to determine the best course of action.

Children and adolescents with Conduct Disorder will act out in a variety of ways that cause harm to themselves and others. Behaviors typical of this disorder include verbal or physical bullying, abuse of animals, deliberate destruction of property, theft, fraudulent activities, and disregard for societal or familial rules. Children and adolescents with this disorder can often feel as though their surrounding environments are hostile and will lash out as a result. While the behaviors associated with Conduct Disorder can have drastic consequences, most youths with this disorder will become responsible and productive members of society. Early and effective treatment can greatly assist in this transition.