Behavioural Disorders

ADHD is one of the most well-known behavioural disorders, affecting both children and adults. It is characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People with ADHD may struggle to concentrate, follow through on tasks, or control their impulses, leading to difficulties in school, work, and social interactions.

Symptoms of ADHD can be classified into two categories:

• Inattentive symptoms: Difficulty focusing, being easily distracted, forgetting daily tasks, and struggling with organisation.

• Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms: Restlessness, excessive talking, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting for turns.

ODD is a condition often diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, characterised by defiant, disobedient, and hostile behaviour towards authority figures. Children with ODD frequently argue with adults, deliberately defy rules, and display a persistent pattern of anger and resentment.

Common symptoms of ODD include:

• Frequent temper tantrums

• Blaming others for mistakes

• Persistent defiance and refusal to comply with requests

• Deliberate attempts to annoy or upset others

Conduct disorder is a more severe form of behavioural disorder, often diagnosed in children or adolescents who engage in aggressive, destructive, or deceitful behaviour. Individuals with conduct disorder may violate societal norms or the rights of others, displaying a lack of empathy or remorse for their actions.

Key symptoms of conduct disorder include:

• Aggression towards people or animals

• Destruction of property

• Deceitfulness, theft, or manipulation

• Serious violations of rules, such as truancy or running away from home

Intermittent Explosive Disorder is characterised by sudden, intense outbursts of anger or aggression that are disproportionate to the situation. These episodes are often impulsive, and individuals may feel a sense of relief or satisfaction after the outburst, followed by feelings of remorse or shame.

Symptoms of IED include:

• Frequent verbal or physical aggression

• Explosive outbursts that last less than 30 minutes

• Difficulty controlling anger

• Outbursts that are not premeditated and occur without warning

ASPD is a chronic mental health condition often associated with behavioural disorders. It is characterised by a persistent disregard for the rights of others, deceitfulness, impulsivity, and a lack of empathy. People with ASPD may engage in manipulative or harmful behaviours without experiencing guilt or remorse.

Symptoms of ASPD include:

• Chronic violation of the law

• Deceitfulness for personal gain

• Impulsivity and failure to plan ahead

• Irritability and aggression

• Reckless disregard for the safety of others

Many individuals with behavioural disorders have experienced significant trauma in their lives. Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognises the impact of trauma on a person’s behaviour and focuses on creating a safe, supportive environment for healing. At Elizabeth House, we understand that trauma can manifest in disruptive behaviours, and our staff are trained to respond with empathy and understanding.

Key principles of trauma-informed care include:

• Safety: Ensuring that the individual feels physically and emotionally safe.

• Trustworthiness: Building trust through transparency and consistent communication.

• Choice: Empowering individuals to make decisions about their treatment.

• Collaboration: Working together with the individual to set goals and develop treatment plans.

• Empowerment: Focusing on strengths and resilience to foster a sense of control and empowerment.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a widely used treatment approach for behavioural disorders. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours, replacing them with healthier coping mechanisms. At Elizabeth House, our therapists use CBT to help individuals understand the link between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and develop strategies for managing impulsivity, aggression, and defiance.

CBT is particularly effective for disorders such as ADHD, ODD, and conduct disorder, as it focuses on improving problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and social interactions.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is an adaptation of CBT, specifically designed to help individuals who struggle with intense emotions and impulsive behaviours. DBT teaches individuals skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. At Elizabeth House, we offer DBT to individuals with severe behavioural disorders who may experience frequent emotional outbursts or difficulty managing anger.

DBT is particularly useful for individuals with intermittent explosive disorder or antisocial personality disorder, as it focuses on reducing harmful behaviours and improving relationships.

For some individuals, medication may be a necessary part of their treatment plan. Medications such as stimulants, non-stimulants, or antidepressants can help regulate mood, attention, and impulse control in individuals with ADHD or other behavioural disorders. At Elizabeth House, our psychiatric team carefully assesses each individual’s needs and monitors medication use to ensure it is both safe and effective.

Item deFamily dynamics often play a significant role in the development and maintenance of behavioural disorders. At Elizabeth House, we recognise the importance of involving families in the treatment process. Family therapy sessions provide an opportunity to address communication patterns, establish healthy boundaries, and develop effective strategies for managing disruptive behaviours at home.

In addition to therapy, we offer family support groups where caregivers can connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges. These groups provide a space for sharing experiences, gaining support, and learning new coping strategies.

Engaging in recreational and occupational therapy can be a valuable part of treatment for individuals with behavioural disorders. Physical activities, creative arts, and vocational training provide an outlet for self-expression, improve social skills, and enhance self-esteem. At Elizabeth House, we offer a variety of recreational and therapeutic activities, including sports, art therapy, and gardening, to promote holistic healing and personal growth.

Learning to manage stress and regulate emotions is a key aspect of treatment for behavioural disorders. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation techniques, help individuals stay grounded and reduce impulsive reactions. Our therapy rooms and extensive gardens provide a calming environment where individuals can engage in mindfulness exercises as part of their treatment plan.