Background Information on Emotional DisordersWhat are emotional disorders? 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. 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)] General CharacteristicsEach specific diagnosis has its own set of symptoms, but keep in mind that there many overlapping symptoms, which make getting an accurate diagnosis very difficult. It took us nearly 13 years to finally get a good diagnosis for our daughter, which resulted in correct medication and treatment. Doctors (and parents) can be hesitant to “label” children, and not define a specific disorder for a child. Or they may start with a “lesser” diagnosis and work their way up. I know that sounds bad, but that is literally what happens quite often.The direct causes of emotional disturbance have not been medically proven. Although many things such as heredity, brain disorder, diet, stress, and family functioning have been suggested as possible causes, research has not been able to directly connect them as the actual cause. Some of the more obvious generalized characteristics and behaviors seen in children who have emotional disorders are: • Hyperactivity (short attention span, impulsiveness) • Aggression/self-injurious behavior (acting out, fighting) • Withdrawal (failure to initiate interaction with others; retreat from exchanges of social interaction, excessive fear or anxiety) • Immaturity (inappropriate crying, temper tantrums, poor coping skills) • Learning difficulties (academically performing below grade level) Children with the most serious emotional disturbances may exhibit distorted thinking, excessive anxiety, bizarre motor acts, and abnormal mood swings. Some are identified as children who have a severe psychosis or classed as having a severe emotional disturbance (SED). 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 disturbances at different times during their development. However, children with emotional disorders will continue these types of behavior over long periods of time. 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. The links below go to a little more in-depth information on the various categories of emotional disorders.
Bipolar Disorder
This is a great article by my friend Mikki Hogan, that ties together depression and suicide with family issues.
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