There is no parenting manual that we can bring home that will prepare us for our children growing up, especially for their behavior, and what is or isn’t typical for their developmental age. Pediatricians are experts in child behavior and development. We understand that it can be distressing to feel like your child is aggressive, uncontrollable, inattentive, hyperactive or uncooperative in day-to-day environments. Part of the evaluation of behavior concerns will be taking a history of the environments and triggers that seem to bring about issues. Personal and family medical history is considered as well. Looking at all of the available information, our team can then direct you toward the appropriate management steps. These may include behavioral therapy, medication management, referral for neuro/psychologic testing, or referral to a psychologist and/or psychiatrist for further care.

Early identification and intervention for children who are showcasing signs and symptoms of a behavioral health issue is critical and can lead to improved achievement in the child’s life at home, daycare, school, etc., and provide a much healthier outcome in life. Many children as they grow will experience different moods, behaviors, and thoughts at varying times. This can be a normal part of their childhood development. However, some symptoms are more concerning and include the following:
 
– Achieving lower grades in school
– Avoiding their family and friends
– Frequent anger outbursts
– Sleeping habits have changed
– Eating habits have changed
– Acting out or rebelling
– Drinking
– Using drugs
– Not continuing to do things they previously enjoyed
– Worrying constantly
– Frequent mood swings
– Less concerned about their appearance
– Obsessing their weight
– Lack of motivation
– Lack of energy
– Feeling down
– Becoming riskier
 
If the above signs and symptoms occur in combination, seem severe, seem inappropriate for age, or interfere significantly with the child’s life, do not hesitate and contact us for an evaluation.
 
Some of the most common mental health disorders among children and youth in general include:
 
– Anxiety
– ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
– ADD (attention-deficit disorder)
– Depression
– Schizophrenia
– Eating disorders
– Other mood disorders
 
If your child is showing a physical illness or injury or showing the above symptoms, parents should be seeking professional help and get them medical attention as soon as possible.

Behavioral health refers to how our children’s daily cognitive habits affect their overall well-being, biology, behavior, and emotions. It’s often interchangeable with mental health, but it incorporates our mental wellness, and how our thoughts play out in real life.
 
Mental health is the child’s well-being concerning their biology, behaviors, and environment. Mental health is broader than the child’s behaviors. Behavioral health refers to how behaviors impact the child’s well-being, and mental health is focused on their state of being.

There are a few signs you can look for when it comes to a behavioral disorder in your child if they are acting out or displaying emotional upset in different ways including:
 
– Getting easily nervous or annoyed
– Often appearing angry
– Blaming others
– Refusing to follow any rules
– Questioning authority
– Arguing and throwing tantrums
– Issues with handling frustration
 
Contact us, we can help your child’s behavioral health issues. We have convenient locations to serve you. For more information, call us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Milford OH, Hyde Park OH, Cincinnati OH, Blue Ash OH, Montgomery OH, Loveland OH, Mt. Orab OH, Newtown OH, and Kenwood OH.