It is estimated that as many as one in five
children and adolescents may have a mental health disorder that can be
identified and require treatment.
Emotional disorders is not exactly a medically
accurate term, but is generally used to describe disorders that
primarily affect behavior, moods, and emotions.
Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act of 2004
The
definition for emotional disturbance under the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004 (IDEA 2004) as it
applies to special education programs receiving federal funds as
follows:
"...a condition exhibiting one or more of the
following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked
degree that adversely affects a child's educational performance--(A) An
inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory,
or health factors.
(B) An inability to build or maintain satisfactory
interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers.
(C) Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings
under normal circumstances.
(D) A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or
depression.
(E) A tendency to develop physical symptoms or
fears associated with personal or school problems." [Code of Federal
Regulations, Title 34, Section 300.7(c)(4)(i)]
As defined by the IDEA, emotional disturbance
includes schizophrenia but does not apply to children who are socially
maladjusted, unless it is determined that they have an emotional
disturbance. [Code of Federal Regulation, Title 34, Section
300.7(c)(4)(ii)]
That is how the federal laws on special education define an emotional
disorder, but each one is different, just as each child is different.
What
is The Difference?
I’ve heard this from my own family:
“Lots of kids
act that way..” and maybe you have as well. Yes, there are
children who
do display some or even most of the behaviors listed above who do not
have emotional problems. However, children with emotional problems will
continue
these types of behavior over long periods of time and it begins to
interfere with everyday living.
How
long? Which ones? Check with your
child’s
doctor for diagnostic specifics. This information is not here for you
to diagnose your own kids, but to get enough background information to
know when to seek help and to be able to at least start asking
questions of the doctor. Understanding more about your
child’s
condition can help you to work more effectively with your child, and be
able to ask for what they need from doctors, therapists, counselors,
teacher, and other mental health care service providers.
More
About Each Disorder
The links below go to a little more in-depth
information on the various categories of emotional disorders.
Bipolar Disorder
Anxiety Disorder
Types
of Anxiety Disorders
Child Anxiety Disorder
Eliminate Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Causes of
Panic Attacks
Finding
Answers about ADHD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Intermittent
Explosive Disorder
Emotional
Disorders General Characteristics
