As children grow into adolescence, they begin to display significant changes in their behavior that are in most cases normal and developmentally appropriate. However, many parents want to make sure that these newly displayed actions belong to the expected range rather than requiring specialized attention. Our first blog post reviewed teenager behavioral changes in conduct that are usually considered within normal developmental patterns. This second post will review the characteristics of conflictive behavior that is generally considered as pathological.
What Behaviors are Outside the Expected Developmental Range?
Aggressive actions are outside the expected developmental range when socially unacceptable, even if a one-time event. Furthermore, severe threats to people or property, initiating violent physical fights, use of weapons, destruction of property, truancy and school failure, and theft are all aggressive actions outside the expected developmental range. Other milder types of conflict can also be pathological when they can’t be explained by a situational circumstance. Also, if these milder types of conflict are of high intensity, frequency, duration, and severity and do not respond to corrective adult feedback within a reasonable time, they could be considered pathological.
Takeaways
It is important to note that general guidelines can never replace a parent’s “gut feeling” and that no one knows a teenager better than his or her parents. If a parent feels the youngster’s behavior is worrisome, even if it is within “normal” guidelines, it is better to err on the side of caution and seek another opinion. The reason the behaviors listed above are of concern is that they can point out to the presence of psychiatric illnesses such as Bipolar Disorder, Illicit Substance Use, Schizophrenia, ADHD (severe), and Conduct Disorder amongst others. When conflictive behaviors such as the ones described are present, it is prudent to discuss them with a guidance counselor and pediatrician first, but also consider a consultation with a specialized mental health professional. These mental health professionals include psychologists, counselors, and social workers who can provide an authoritative opinion regarding the adolescent’s behavior. Following an evaluation, should the professional find the behavior outside the expected range, there may be recommendations for individual and family psychotherapy, and for coordination with the school for an educational evaluation. In some instances, a referral to a child psychiatrist may also be entertained.
New Alliance Academy in Paramus, NJ is a therapeutic school that provides educational and ancillary therapeutic services for high school teenagers experiencing acute psychological distress.