Behavioral Therapy for children with Emotional Disorders

Behavioral Therapy for children with Emotional Disorders

There are many children in the world that suffer from some type of behavioral or emotional issues that
result in bad behavior.
These children could suffer from autism, ADHD or any type of childhood behavior, but the bottom line is to realize that
they are not purposely doing it and gets them help through cognitive behavior therapy, applied behavior therapy or play
therapy.

Behavior Therapy for Children

Cognitive therapy involves minimizing anxiety, learning alternative ideas and learning that feelings and moods alter
behavior. It helps the child to identify their inner thoughts and replace bad thoughts with positive productive thoughts.
Applied behavior analysis analyzes behavior and teaches the child different ways to respond to situations in a positive
way. It also rewards positive behavior and punishes negative behavior. Play therapy is exactly that for younger children it
allows them to act out their issues through role playing or they can interact with common issues dolls and sensory objects.
Children with behavioral issues need to have some type of therapy that allows them to express themselves without
consequences and then slowly build up their level of trust with the counselor. Once this is done the child can begin to
learn the reasons for their behavior and what the trigger points are and how to deal with those issues once they arise.
Before starting any type of behavioral therapy the parent should closely watch the child and keep a diary of what
is going on, consult a therapist and proceed from there. If there are substantial behaviors or emotional issues present
the parents should find a licensed behavior therapist that deals with stress management strategies, relaxation training,
teaches coping skills, and uses talk therapy. Treating the child with respect is the first step to getting the child help. The
child should show some type of progress overtime and learn to deal with things by situation; they must learn to cope with
difficult situations at home and at school.Behavioral Therapy for children with behavioral and emotional disorders require
intensive behavioral therapy tools to help them to deal with outside pressures and triggers on a daily basis.

Children Conduct Disorder Oppositional Defiant Disorder ODD

Conduct disorder/ ODD is an exhausting disorder affecting children, or the entire family when a child
with the disorder behaves in a manner resembling the terrible twos magnified by 50.
A child who is so out of control even Nanny 911 episodes appear tame. It feels as if something went so incredibly wrong
that a child acts out in ways that will make a parent fear they are raising the next serial killer. Sure, that may sound a bit
dramatic but this is how it is when living with a child diagnosed with Conduct disorder / Oppositional defiant
disorder (ODD).
I have a son who had Oppositional defiant disorder. I had never heard of it until a school psychologist who had watched
and worked with my son for four years finally figured it out. Thankfully, I have a wonderful supportive husband by my side
helping me change my sons behavior from out of control to my sweet charming little man who has learned so much in
four very long and difficult years.

If it werent for this man coming into our lives I shudder to think where we would be today. I consider my son to be
completely healed, although our regiment is and will continue to be quite strict and consistent as it is what he needs. It
took my new husband, a team of teachers, tutors, counselors, and doctors to help my son along his path to finding himself
somewhere inside that monster that was showing his ugly face every day.
I had lost hope and my energy was depleted so it took my new husband stepping in and basically taking over control to
start keeping my son in line, by being incredibly consistent and strict. Thats when I started seeing a difference. I also
noticed a change when I removed preservatives and excess sugars from my sons diet. With these changes apparent, my
hope was restored and we were on our way to finding my son again.
In researching ODD here is what I learned: The term disorder is a misnomer because it is not a disorder but instead a
learned behavior, or likely a combination of a childs home environment and inherited factors including:
Ineffective, Inconsistent and/or harsh discipline
Lack of supervision, neglect or abuse
Limitations or developmental delays in a childs ability to process their thoughts and feelings
Being that Oppositional defiant disorder is a learned behavior it can also be unlearned or reversed with a strict and
consistent routine. There are no medications to treat ODD; however, many times a child will have other related mental
health issues that are successfully treated with medication.
Some of the mental health issues often times occurring with ODD are:
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Anxiety
Depression
A child with ODD will display symptoms such as an extremely strong will, disrespect and opposition to adultsor people
in authority positions, defiance in almost any situation, temper tantrums disproportionate to the childs
age, argumentativeness, lying, anger, and resentment. It is not unusual for a child to pick a fight and as soon as an
exhausted adult gives in and tells the child, ok! Yes, youre right the sky is green. The child will then argue, No it isnt, its
blue. This type of behavior, over and over, leaves parents feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and feeling out of control
themselves.
Children with ODD will struggle in school and in making and/or keeping friends. It appears a child with Oppositional
defiant disorder thrives on deliberately annoying other people. They refuse to take responsibility, blaming others for their
mistakes or misbehavior; they are easily annoyed and act with aggression toward peers and adults. They often have
trouble academically.
Parents with a child suffering from ODD should seek support and help from a professional familiar with this disorder as
many times it is misdiagnosed, and left untreated ODD can, and most likely will, progress to the more serious Conduct
disorder, substance abuse and severe delinquency.
Conduct disorder commonly occurs when ODD is left untreated. The child will most likely begin to violate more serious
rules like running away from home or skipping school. Their pattern of misbehavior will usually progress to more
aggressive behavior toward people and or animals. Children may initiate bullying and fighting, or animal cruelty. They may
become disrespectful of others property by stealing or causing damage by vandalism or arson.
Children afflicted with ODD or Conduct disorder will most likely have trouble feeling empathy and may misread social
queues or miss them altogether. He may misinterpret others behavior as hostile or aggressive leading him to act out in
response to the aggression with aggression in return.

Living with a child with either Conduct disorder or ODD is exhausting and sometimes heartbreaking. Parents should get
help, avoid power struggles, and remain positive with their child. Their child requires an extremely strict routine,
consistency and positive reinforcement as well as a happy and refreshed parent who has confidence in themselves. The
child will thrive in an environment which is healthy and did I mention consistent, consistent, consistent? I cannot
emphasize that word enough.
Parents and children will benefit from parental training. Parents and siblings should have patience as the treatment will
include the whole family. When one child is disruptive, the entire family feels the effects and everyone suffers the
consequences to a degree. The upside to this disorder is that it is within a parents control to change their childs
behavior and their life.
The incredible part is, with patience, determination, and consistent parenting you can change your childs behavior. Once
my son overcame his defiant behavior it was hard to imagine that my sweet child was once a monster and I sometimes
wonder if exaggerated the whole thing. Then a see a video and Im reminded of how horrific our lives were and realize I
was in such a stupor because it was my only way to cope with how out of control my home was.
I know now it was the worst way to handle our situation and it made my sons condition so much worse. The upside is,
now that weve overcome this, I know I can overcome anything. My best advice is that its ok... no, its a very good idea to
ask for help!
note from the editorial staff: ODD explained and descriped form a "first-hand"-mother is far better and reliable than from
any theoretical book or course. it's just life nothing else but the real one.

Children Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disordered suffered by anyone is distressing and difficult to handle, but when
the afflicted person is a child, the condition can be even more overwhelming and frightening.
Lacking the cognitive understanding adults have, it can lead the child to feel isolated, embarrassed, and misunderstood,
with little help from parents who do not understand. Fortunately, there are treatments available for this notoriously
debilitating disease.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD, affects about 1% of children between ages seven and 12, and will
often persist into adulthood. The cause is an imbalance of the neurotransmitter Serotonin, a chemical responsible for
reactions to emotional stimuli such as fear, happiness, sadness, or aggression. When the uptake of Serotonin is blocked
the brain cannot appropriately translate impulses, resulting in an overreaction to the stimuli. With OCD, the stimulus is
often the recurring distressing thought, or the obsession, that prompts the reaction, which becomes the compulsion.
Symptoms between children and adults are very similar, but with children the symptoms will often play out more
in a family setting since the child's center is the family. Obsessions can include worrying about imminent death of one
or all family members without cause and fears of life limiting illness. These will lead to the belief, however uncoordinated it
may seem, that keeping the family with them always will keep them safe, or that organizing obsessively will somehow
avert the disaster. Often the child will wash frequently, not necessarily because they are dirty but because they fear
contamination. It can be taxing for the family as a unit, both with management and self-esteem.
Treatment for a child with OCD is carefully monitored medication dosage and psychotherapy. The psychotherapy is
especially important since a child's mind is still developing and a trained child psychologist can help the child break some
of the obsessive compulsive thoughts or tendencies while helping the child to manage the symptoms of the disease the
medication cannot stop. The common belief is that the brain is not fully formed until the age of 25 with a high induction of

natural hormones occurring in adolescents, thereby requiring closer monitoring as this may prompt symptoms to become
stronger or recur after remission.
Remembering that the condition can cause real terror and disruption in a child's life is crucial when it comes to
understanding and tolerance.
While OCD in children is not a frequent occurrence, it is considerably difficult to manage. Emotional impacts of the
condition and the condition itself can continue for a lifetime, so treatment is necessary to help maintain adequate selfesteem and worth. Helping the child in understanding the condition will lead to a greater chance at successful
management and support.

Children with ADHD

Children with ADHD are just like every other child in this world, and they need to be treated as such.
ADHD is the acronym for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Notice that ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is not a disability, rather a disorder that affects the
child's ability to pay attention and stay focused on tasks for sustained amounts of time. Children with ADHDshould be
treated accordingly and everyone involved with raising the child should understand that some of the behaviors that they
see are not the result of the child misbehaving. The behaviors cannot be controlled so caregivers must understand this
and be patient when disciplining children with the disorder.
The first part of ADHD is the attention deficit. This part of the disorder means that the child usually has trouble paying
attention to any one thing for a long period of time. If the child enjoys what he or she is doing than they will stay on task
longer, but the amount of time is much less than children without the disorder. The attention deficit can also be noticed
when the child seems to be so easily distracted by common things in their environment. Parents and teachers need to
know that they need to provide a low stimulus environment for the child if they are really focused on having the child learn.
This does occur for all children at sometimes but children with ADHD suffer from this many times each day and this
behavior continues for an extended period of the child's life.
The second part of ADHD is the hyperactivity. This can often be the most difficult thing to deal with because the child
just seems to be unable to sit still or do anything other than being extremely active. The biggest sign of hyperactivity is the
constant need to be moving, especially during activities that the child truly enjoys. Children that are hyperactive simply
cannot control what their brain is telling them to do, so you must be patient and understand this fact.
The best way to treat children with ADHD is by providing them with a very consistent schedule and a living
environment that does not create too many distractions. You need to learn what the child loves to do or play and
focus much of your child's attention toward that love that they have. As time goes on you should try to explore new
opportunities for your child. Some medical professionals also recommend specific drugs that can help to combat the
ADHD tendencies that many children have. Putting a child on medication is a big step, so make sure that you are
comfortable with the idea and remember to always do what is best for your child.

Children with Anxietyhildren with Anxiety

Children sometimes experience anxiety for various reasons. Most children feel anxious from time to
time and this is normal; when the anxiety becomes chronic, its time to seek help for the child.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is when a child or adult worries most of the time about many thingsthings that have
happened in the past, in the present or in the future. When children have this disorder they worry about events that are
coming in the future, conversations or actions they went through, their health and their familys health, school concerns
and world events. They worry so much and feel that they cant control their worrying and so the worrying begins to
interfere in all that they try to do.

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder are anxiety, worrying, restlessness, feeling constantly tired, on edge, finding it
difficult to concentrate and having problems with sleep.
Even though this disorder is frightening to the child and disturbing to the parents, there are treatments that can
help. Studies conducted in the past have shown that the most effective way to help a child with this disorder is to
educate, identify and train the child with relaxation techniques. In addition, when parents reinforce the techniques
that can help a child with this kind of anxiety, the child does even better. If a child doesnt get help with this disorder he or
she will do what they can to avoid feeling bad and nervous. Some will do what they can to avoid situations where they
might feel bad. In addition, some will learn how to avoid the challenges of life we all face and put themselves in isolated
situations such as seeking thrills, rejecting responsible behavior, using drugs or skipping school.
In addition, certain medications can a child with this disorder--along with psychotherapy treatments.
Its also been said that about one in ten children suffer from anxiety disorder. And, most scientists feel that anxiety
disorders are not inherited but they also feel that there could be a predisposition to anxiety, if anxiety is shown a great
deal within the family. Some of the symptoms of anxiety are: tension in the muscles, restlessness, tension in the chest
and having mild stomach aches.

Children with Autism

nteraction and also by limited and repetitive behavior.
These are signs that will begin being in the earlier life of the children typically three years. This is a disorder that affects
information processing in the mind by affecting how the nerves and synapses connect; but how this happens to be not yet
understood. This is one of the recognized disorders in the autism spectrum. Other disorders are Asperger, which lacks s
delays in congestive language and development. The second disorder is pervasive, which is identified when completely
set of criteria for autism.
Autism comprises a strong basis, even though the autism genetics are complex and it is not yet clear whether autism
disorder is explained by rare mutation or combinations of ordinary genetics differences. In some cases, autism is
associated with agents which lead to birth faults. Arguments which are surrounding environment causes include, pest
sides, heavy mental, and child vaccines. The vaccines' hypotheses are implausible biologically and this is convincing the
scientific evidence. The occurrence of autism disorder is around d one to two per one thousand people all over the world.
The number of those infected by this disorder increases day by day since 1980s.
Signs of autism are normally noticed in the earlier two years of the child. The signs develop gradually, but some
autistic children build up more normally and then revert. Earlier intervention will help the child to gain care, skills of
communication and social knowledge. Even if there is no cure, there have been reported cases where children have been
able to recover when there is earlier intervention. However, not all babies who have autism are able to live independently
in their adulthood, but there are some who may be lucky. There has been an autism augment that has been developing
with some people seeking to get a cure while others are believing that autism disorder as a variation.
Deficits are distinguishing autism and related disorders of spectrum disorder from the development of the disorders.
Victims with autism have communal impairments and lack the intuition about others which many are taking for granted.
Those children affected with high autism are likely to suffer more intense and recurrent loneliness when compared to noautistics, in spite of the common believes that those children affected with autism prefer when there are alone. To make
and maintain friendships is something that is very hard with autism affected children. For these children, the quality of
friendships does not depend upon the number of friends, and this predicts how lonely these children feel. It is been
revealed that functional friendships, like those resulting in part invitations can deeply affect the quality of once
life.

Childrens Behavioral and Emotional Disorders

During a child's developmental years, they are constantly growing and changing. It is imperative to
note that one must keep this in mind when diagnosing and treating emotional and behavioral
disorders in children.
If a problem, is not temporary or short-lived, then should parents seek out a trained and qualified professional to help their
children. Health professionals once thought that brain disorders such as bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or even
depression occurred after childhood but now, it is widely held that these brain disorders can begin in early childhood.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), emotional and behavioral disorders affect 10-15 percent of
children globally. One of particular childhood-onset mental disorder that is widely studied, treated, and diagnosed
is ADHD, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and theNIMH cites that 3-5 percent of children globally suffer from this
disorder.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

This disorder is one of the most common mental disorders among children, and two to three more boys than girls are
affected. Many children are unable to sit still, finish tasks, plan ahead, or even be aware what is going on around them.
Some days, children with ADHD seem fine and the next could be a whirlwind of frenzied and disorganized
activity. ADHD can continue on into adolescence and even adulthood, however, within the past decade scientists have
learned more about it and how to treat it. From medications, to therapy, and varying educational options, children
with ADHD can learn to function in new ways.

Autism
Children with autism appear to be remote, indifferent, isolated in their own world, and are unable to form emotional
connections with other poeple. Autism is a found in every region of the country, it is more common in boys than girls, and
affects about 1 or 2 people in every thousand. This brain disorder can manifest itself in mental retardation, language
delays, and other children are very high-functioning with intelligence and speech in tact. Because their brains do not
function in the same way other children's do, consistency is the key when dealing with an autistic child.

Bi-polar Disorder
Bi-polar disorder generally begins during early childhood and continues into adulthood. It is characterized by intense
mood swings. For example, a child may have excessive "high" or euphoic feelings, then suddenly, sadness depression.
This is thought to be a genetic illness and diagnosis for children under 12 is generally not common and is often
misdiagnoses as ADHD.

Anxiety
Anxiety disorders often cause children to feel distressed, uneasy, even frightened for no apparent reason. Some common
anxiety disorders are panic disorders characterized by episodes of intense fear that occur without warning or provocation.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which are compulsive, repeated behaviors or thoughts that seem like they are
impossible to stop.

Cognitive Therapy for children with Behavioral and Emotional Disorders

Children and adolescents are different from adults in many ways but the primary difference is that the
younger person does not have as much actual control of his or her life as does an adult.
The treatment of mental illness for a child must therefore be different than the treatment for an adult.
Cognitive therapy is a scientifically proven method of treatment that works for younger patients as effectively as it does
for adults in the treatment of the anxiety disorders as well as such disorders as conduct disorder, depression, and physical
complaints that are not caused by an actual physical condition. Cognitive therapy is actually most often used in
conjunction with behavioral therapy when used with children and most often is aimed at trying to break the circle of
emotion thought behavior that is thought to cause most of the symptomology that the therapy is intended to
ameliorate. The idea is that a person feels an emotion which leads to a thought that is uncomfortable which in turn leads
to a behavior that makes the feeling better, but the feeling is then affected by the behavior so that it leads to another
uncomfortable thought which leads to another and possibly even more inappropriate behavior which leads to another

feeling and so on. Cognitive therapy is an attempt to change the thought into a more realistic and helpful one thus
breaking the circle.
In treating children there are stressors that are not usually present for adults generally related to education. A child might
have unrealistic goals that are reinforced by adults in his or her life: perfection as the only acceptable outcome is a
primary one. When perfection is the only goal then failure will be the most usual experience for a child and failure is a very
unhappy thing indeed. In order to avoid the bad feelings and thought engendered by failure the child acts out by being bad
in some way and sometimes finds that he or she can be perfectly bad which feels like a success, and success leads to
further acting out. Breaking the cycle by making trial and error an acceptable outcome, a success, takes the onus of
failure away and can lead to a change in behavior by the redefinition of success.
With children and adolescents cognitive therapy is focused on breaking the circle at the thought phase. Having the child
focus on the thought and bringing that step in the cycle come more under his or her control can help him or her to see the
fallacies in the thoughts and thus repair his or her behavior to the reality of the situation rather than continue in the
avoidance behaviors that are inappropriate. In hundreds if studies, cognitive therapy has been shown to be quite effective.

Family Therapy for children with Behavioral Disorders

Almost a third of children born will have some type of disability by the time they are 18. For most
families, the child is not the only one who will have to learn to live with a disability.
The whole family will be touched by the disability. Therapy for the entire family will often be necessary to make sure
that the child is able to integrate into the family life. When the diagnoses first comes, the parents are often dealing
with shock and disbelief, but as time goes on, they learn to adjust and accept the circumstances. Many of them would
benefit from some type of family counseling. This is very important because they are going to play a big part in how the
child with the disability will be able to adjust. As the primary caregivers the role they play is huge and special training is
often necessary and very helpful.
For the family who has a child born with an obvious disability, the realization will come quickly that they will be walking a
different road then they had planned in life. Therapists, Doctors and special equipment will often be part of their daily
norm. The adjustment is often difficult and is an on going process. Some families do not realize that their child has a
disability until they are a little older. Autism, mental retardation and emotional illnesses do not show up during the first
months of life. It is only after frustration and often denial that the parents are able to realize the child has some extra
needs that they are unable to meet.
A child with a disability will often require around the clock care. They might need a special diet and help with toileting on a
regular basis. It can also affect the family financially and that is just the beginning. The biggest problem though is that
the parents are not trained to deal with needs of the child and often tend to over protect them. They do this out of
love, but it is often detrimental to the child. Family therapy should involve not only the parents, but the siblings. They
should not be forgotten in this equation. Often they will be asked to do some of the care and many of them will be the sole
caregivers as adults for the person with the disability because they parents may not always be in a position to do it.
Family therapy should address feelings that everyone in the family might have and not be able to express. Low self
esteem, a feeling of loss and helplessness are just a few that might be issues that could be addressed and talked through.
Although most parents and children do not receive enough or any family therapy, it should be the goal of any good case
manager to encourage this and to have it start as soon as possible.

How Is Mental Illness in Children Diagnosed

According to the surgeon general, approximately one out of every five children has a diagnosable
mental illness.
Children, however, are developing mentally and physically, and their behavior may be difficult to analyze. Actions such as
anxiety, anger, and shyness can be a part of developmental growth or a temporary condition rather than an illness. When

troubling behaviors occur over a period of time or in a way that disrupts daily life, they are considered symptoms of a
disorder.
Diagnosis usually begins with a medical doctor who takes a lengthy history and examines the child to rule out physical
reasons for the difficulties. Lab tests may also be done to test for side effects of medication, for allergies, or for other
conditions that could produce symptoms.
If no medical reason is found for the behavior, the doctor refers the child to a psychologist or psychiatrist who treats
children and adolescents. A psychologist is trained to evaluate and diagnose mental illnesses but usually treats them
through counseling or behavioral therapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose mental illnesses and write
prescriptions for medication. Often, the two will work together to provide a combination of counseling and medication.
Other therapies, such as music or art, may be added to conventional treatments.
Initial diagnosis is based on reports of behavior from parents, caregivers, and teachers in order to understand how the
child functions in different situations. Often a child will have a combination of two or more behaviors, such as anxiety and
bedwetting.
The following disorders are common in childhood:
Anxiety
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Eating problems
Bathroom issues
Feelings of sadness, or moodiness
Disruptive behavior
Learning disorders, such as dyslexia
Involuntary movements, or tics
Schizophrenia, or distorted thoughts and feelings
Some disorders begin in childhood and continue into adolescence and adulthood. Others go away or improve with age,
and some begin later in life. Mental illnesses are usually caused by a combination of factors that fall into four broad
categories: environmental, genetic, biological, and psychological. For instance, a child who has a genetic predisposition
may develop a disorder when exposed to toxins or physical abuse.
Although many parents want to avoid medication or the stigma of a mental diagnosis, the prognosis is brighter with proper
treatment. If a child does not receive necessary care, the illness may continue into adulthood, creating high risk
for issues such as substance abuse, antisocial behavior, or suicide. When given a correct diagnosis and treatment,
outlook for a healthy life as an adult is much more positive.

How Is Mental Illness in Children Treated

Globally, 50 percent of mental illnesses that occur in a lifetime begin by age 14 according to the World Health
Organization. Some examples of mental disorders that are diagnosed during childhood includeattentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and Autistic Disorder. Mental disorders
with onsets that occur during either childhood or adulthood include anxietydisorders such as social phobia and obsessive
compulsive disorder (OCD); and mood disorders such as depression. Along with pharmacological treatment, mental
illness in children is treated with a range of psychotherapy as reviewed.

Types of Psychotherapy
Play Therapy

Play therapy is used to treat mental disorders such ODD, ADHD, anxiety, and depression in children between the ages
of 3 to 12. It involves a non-threatening form of communication in which toys represent words. Concepts such as
displacement (redirecting feelings from an original target to someone else) and projection (attributing ones own thoughts
and feelings toward someone else) are explored during games. Specifically, children engage in storytelling followed by
identifying the feelings of characters in the story; role-playing with puppets as a form of feeling projection; and blowing
bubbles to improve deep and controlled breathing. The therapist observes feelings and recurring themes, while
challenging the child with more effective alternatives to replace disturbing behavior.

Art Therapy
Art therapy is also used to treat ADHD, anxiety, depression, and family/relationship struggles. Children draw a story of
their life events, which is a non-threatening form of feeling expression. Therapists may link a color to certain emotions
such as red symbolizing anger. Therapists then analyze the drawing for themes and feelings that they discuss with the
child.

Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-Assisted Therapy is a new approach that is used to treat depression, anxiety, and Autistic Disorder. Specifically,
during equine-assisted therapy or horseback riding, the rhythm of the horse soothes, focuses, and improves the moods of
children with Autism. Feeding and grooming horses encourage social interaction and personal responsibility in children.
Likewise, canine-assisted therapy is used to reduce stress and calm children with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. These
animals are also used as a conversation topic between therapists and children.

Operant Conditioning/Applied Behavior Analysis

Children with more severe mental challenges, where they function significantly below average, are treated with operant
conditioning. This approach involves reinforcing a desired behavior in increments through cognitive-behavioral
techniques. An example is the self-instructive training of reciting instructions while performing a behavior.
A final, valuable form of treatment is the multi-system approach that involves intervention in multiple settings including
family, schools, and peer environments. Family training teaches family members effective ways to respond to children
with mental illnesses such as by using positive reinforcement for desirable behavior. Therapists also use multimodal
therapy, which is a combination of psychosocial and pharmacological therapy. Specifically, antipsychotic medications treat
Autism, antidepressants treat depression, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) treat obsessive compulsive
disorder in children.
Source
Atlas: Child and adolescent mental health resources. (2005). World Health Organization.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, were the first antidepressants to be developed and made
available to the general pubic.
Although they've fallen out of favor due to concerns over certain possible drug and food interactions. Like
mostantidepressants, doctors aren't entirely sure exactly of their exact mechanism of action, but it is known that they
elevate norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine levels by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks
down these three neurotransmitters. This naturally results in higher amounts of these neurotransmitters in the brain.
MAOIs have proven to be every bit as effective as the many other antidepressants that have come after them, but many
doctors have been hesitant to prescribe them to some patients due to the side effects and certain interactions with some
foods and drugs. One of the more worrisome side effects of using MAOIs is that it can lead to higher levels of tyramine,
a chemical commonly found in cheeses, wines, and other aged foods. Monoamine oxidase breaks down tyramine,
and excessive tyramine can lead to high blood pressure and can result in a hypertensive crisis. Patients who are
prescribed MAOIs for depression are often given very specific dietary restrictions that are intended to control tyramine

levels. One of the few MAOIs that do not require dietary restrictions is selegiline transdermal system, or EMSAM. This
drug does not substantially inhibit tyramine even at higher doses.
MAOIs are also associated with several potentially dangerous drug interactions, thereby limiting their usefulness for those
who are already on several other medications. They often interact with medications that increase serotonin levels in the
brain. Changes in serotonin levels can alter moods, so increases in serotonin levels are usually a desired result of the use
of many antidepressants.

Some of these drugs include:

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as sertraline and fluoxetine, otherwise known as Zoloft and Prozac respectively
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Tofranil
St. John's Wort
Meperidine
Ultram
Methadone

Combining MAOIs with these or similar drugs can have many negative effects such as:
Confusion
Tremors
Hyperactivity
Coma
Death
MAOIs also shouldn't be combined with drugs that constrict blood vessels such as epinephrine, amphetamines,
pseudoephedrine, or ephedrine. It could increase one's blood pressure to dangerous levels.
All MAOIs should be discontinued at least two weeks before one is to be prescribed any medications that could interact
with them. The effects of fluoxetine last for several weeks after the medication is discontinued, so it is recommended that
a patient on fluoxetine waits at least five weeks before taking an MAOI.
Source: antidepressants @ medicinenet.com

The Safety of Antidepressants in Childhood Depression

Depression in children is a serious condition that can cause changes in thinking, mood, and behavior.
Until the 1970s, medical professionals thought the disorder occurred only in adults.
Doctors struggled with ways of determining the difficult diagnosis until 1991 when the CDI, or child depression
inventory, was developed.
A checklist of symptoms, the CDI is used to screen for two types of depression: dysthymic disorder and major depressive
disorder. Still, children are less able than adults to express their feelings, and actions change quickly. Doctors usually
observe behavior over a period of time and also consider reports from parents, teachers, and caregivers.
Children are often treated for depression with a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants. Although there has
been debate about the safety of these drugs, The Journal of American Medical Associationprinted results of a 2007
study that found antidepressants do more good than harm in adolescents with major depressive disorders. Children must
be carefully watched, however, for signs of agitation, irritability, withdrawal, or self-destructive behavior.
The most commonly used antidepressants for children are serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs have
fewer side effects than older ones, and overdoses are less likely. Although new medications are being developed, the
following SSRIs are the most common:
Prozac fluoxetine
Zoloft sertraline
Celexa citalopram

 Paxil paroxetine
Luvox fluvoxamine
Lexapro escitalopram
Effexor, or velaxafine, is closely related to serotonin reuptake inhibitors but actually falls into another category. The
safety of its use for children is currently being investigated.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Prozac is the only antidepressant approved by the Federal Drug
Association for treating children eight years of age or older. Other drugs that have been approved for adults are
sometimes prescribed off-label for children and adolescents. Although Prozac has proven to be beneficial in reducing
the overall symptoms of depression, there is also a small possibility that it may lead to suicidal thinking in a very few
adolescents.
As with any medication, the use of antidepressants should be carefully monitored by medical professionals and parents,
and any side effects or change in behavior should be reported immediately. Dosages should be administered as directed,
and a doctor should be consulted before stopping any medication.
At least one major clinical trial found a combination of medication and psychotherapy to be the most effective treatment
for adolescent depression. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to determine side effects of long-term use and the
relationship between the drugs and childhood or adolescent suicide. Although evidence overwhelmingly supports the
safety of SSRIs in most cases, there is still doubt about a small subset of the population.

Interpersonal Therapy for children with Behavioral and Emotional Disorders

Many children with behavioral and emotional problems do not realize that their actions are wrong,
even after they have been punished for them.
Others, cannot control many of their actions, so they do not exactly get the full benefit of the disciplinary action that they
have been given. These problems usually result in a very upset parent, and very confused child. However, it does not
have to be this way for either of them. Turning to an interpersonal therapist may be the answer you are both looking for.
When you wish to choose an interpersonal therapist for your child, it is important to decide whether your child
works better with males or females. If your child does not work well with male figures, it may be better to choose a
therapist that is female or vise versa. Ensuring that your child is comfortable with the therapist they will be seeing is crucial
to the success of the therapy.
The therapist your child sees will more than likely have the first few visits together as a family. However, after the initial
few visits, they may just want a verbal update from you and then see your child alone. The key for this therapy is to
ensure that the child is focused on the therapy.
Each session the therapist will try different methods of teaching your child how to deal with anger, frustration, or their
emotions in general. After every appointment, your child will be expected to demonstrate these new skills and focus on
them. These skills will gradually build on each other until they have complete behavioral or emotional control for
themselves. At this point, the therapist will focus on maintaining these skills with your child.
It is important to be consistent with the appointments. Missing an appointment may cause your child to slip or regress
slightly in their behaviors.
Do not think that because the behavior has not been obvious, that it means it has went away. It means that your child is
learning how to get past that behavior. Once they have learned control of it, then they will understand discipline for that
specific behavior. Keeping them focused on what is expected of them is important. Do not forget to praise your child on

controlling themselves. They need to know that you see the changes they have made and that you are proud of how far
they have come.

National Childrens Dental Health Month

Oral health is important, especially for young ones as their teeth are only starting to grow. When kept
unclean, long-term effects or conditions may arise, including bad breath or halitosis.
If you don't want your kid to suffer from such conditions that may affect both their health and self-confidence, it is best to
start the habit of cleaning the teeth and mouth as early as possible.
If you're unaware or inexperienced in handling this kind of stuff, then why not participate in this month'sNational
Children's Dental Health Month?
The event is quite useful and educative for parents and their kids and teaches them on how to engage in this particular
activity successfully. Each month of February, the American Dental Association or ADA, backs up and funds the
National Children's Dental Health Month to increase the awareness levels to children and their parents regarding the
importance of maintaining oral health and wellness.
National Children's Dental Health Month's messages and paraphernalia have reached millions of individuals across the
globe in different communities. Cultivating good habits and discipline and adhering to regular visits to the dentist will
greatly help children get a good start for lifelong well maintained and conditioned teeth and gums.
Regardless if you're working for a dental organization or team, a teacher or a concerned parent, the American Dental
Association provides free tools and resources online, including oral health presentations, concepts for viable classroom
projects, coloring and activity sheets that may be utilized as handouts. ADA also provides booklets, pamphlets, tutorial
videos and other tools that you can buy through the organization's catalog.
For the 2012 National Children's Dental Health Month campaign, ADA aims to bring together thousands if not millions of
committed dental experts and practitioners and healthcare providers to promote and spread awareness regarding the
benefits of maintaining good oral condition to children, parents, teachers and so on (if you search informations about
dental bleaching, take a look at "tanden bleken" (in dutch language, just use the translation)).
This year's posters for the event feature the slogan "Rock Your Smile" on both sides of the posters. The poster displays
the McGrinn Twins, Flossy and Buck, alongside their neighbors and best friends Den and Gen Smiley. In the poster, the
group of friends are dancing and singing joyfully to a healthy smile.
At the other end, teens are listening to their music while rocking with a smile. This expressive and flexible poster will help
dental health advocates and speakers address the topic more appropriately and effectively to both age groups. You can
download the story of the McGrinn Twins online free of charge and in PDF format, with an English and Spanish version.
The National Children's Dental Health Month Program Planning Guidelines provide program facilitators, dental
organizations, teachers and parents with resources that can help in promoting the advantages of keeping good oral
condition and wellness starting at an early age. The guide comprises of facts, easy-to-do activities, and timetable tips and
so on.