A Brief Insight into Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Did you know that emotional and behavioural disorders (EBD) are more common than you might think? In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, about one in five individuals in the U.S. have a diagnosable emotional, behavioural, or developmental disorder. That's a lot of people! 

But the good news is that with early identification and proper treatment, many individuals with these conditions can lead fulfilling and successful lives!

Causes of Emotional Disturbance

When we come across a person with emotional disturbance, we can’t help but wonder what caused it. 

It's a complex issue, and many different factors can contribute to its development. For example:

• Genetics, environmental factors, and social factors can all play a role.

• Traumatic experiences like abuse, neglect, or a major life event can also impact a person's mental health and create imbalances in brain chemistry, affecting the emotions and behaviour.

But the most important thing to remember is that emotional disturbance is an actual medical condition that requires proper treatment and support. By understanding the causes of these disorders, we can help support those struggling and work towards finding effective treatments.

But how to know if someone is emotionally disturbed? What are the sureshot symptoms of it? 

Symptoms of Emotional Disturbance

The symptoms of emotional disturbance can vary depending on the individual. However, here are some common symptoms to diagnose it:

Emotional Symptoms

• Frequent feelings of sadness

• Intense anxiety

• Fear

• Anger

• Feeling numb or detached from their emotions altogether

Behavioural Symptoms

• Difficulty regulating emotions

• Mood swings and impulsive behaviour.

• Drug or alcohol abuse

• Reckless driving

• Self-harm

Social Symptoms

• Problems with building and maintaining relationships

• Struggling with communication and social interaction

Physical Symptoms

• Headaches

• Stomachaches

• Other bodily pains. 

Academic and Occupational Symptoms

• Struggling to focus on tasks

• Exhibiting disruptive behaviour

• Aggression

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking help from qualified mental health professionals is important.

Treatment for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD)

The treatment for emotional and behavioural disorders (EBD) typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. 

The specific approach to treatment will depend on how mild or severe the individual's symptoms and needs are. 

Here are some common treatment options for EBD:

Therapy

Different therapies can be used to treat the symptoms associated with EBD. For instance:

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can help individuals identify negative thoughts and behaviours and replace them with more positive ones. 

• Family therapy can help improve communication and strengthen relationships with family members. 

• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) can help individuals regulate their emotions and cope with stress.

Medication

Your doctor or therapist may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms of EBD, such as depression, anxiety, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and stimulants are all examples of medications you may use to treat EBD.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes, like regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga, can also help manage symptoms of EBD. 

Educational Support

Individuals with EBD may also benefit from additional educational support, such as specialized classes, individual tutoring, or accommodations like extra time on tests.

However, although these treatment methods can somewhat relieve emotional disturbance symptoms, it’s always a good idea to follow preventive measures to stop its recurrence.

Preventive Measures for Emotional Disturbance

Preventing emotional and behavioural disorders (EBD) can be tough since there's no guaranteed way to avoid them. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing these conditions:

Early Intervention

Early identification and intervention can help prevent EBD from developing or becoming more severe. We’re talking about regular check-ins with a healthcare provider and being open about any concerns or symptoms.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, like regular exercise, eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding substance abuse, can also help reduce the risk of EBD. 

Strong Support System

Strong support from family, friends, mentors, or mental health professionals is an excellent way to help individuals cope with stress and difficult emotions.

Coping Skills

Teaching coping skills like problem-solving, emotion regulation, and stress management can prevent EBD. This can be done through therapy, support groups, or educational programs.

You would be surprised to know that many platforms offer therapy services to help individuals deal with emotional and behavioural disorders. 

Counselling and Psychotherapy Zurich is an organization that provides various therapy services, including existential, psychodynamic, and integrative therapy, tailored to meet each client's unique needs. It provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to work through their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

So, if you’re feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, or emotionally disturbed, we suggest booking a therapy session with the skilled and professional therapists at Counselling and Psychotherapy London and conquering your mental health conditions once and for all!