All young people act out at one time or another. But when this becomes more severe, repetitive, and interferes with daily life, it may signal a more significant behaviour problem. This is when you may need an appointment with me.

This repetitive behaviour pattern can create a major risk in terms of social development of young people, such frequently removed from the classroom, preventing them from making or keeping friends, and may pose a danger for themselves and their environment.

What are the red flags?

There are a number of red flags that you and/or your child might notice including:

Fidgeting in school and being continuously told by the teacher to sit down, or not to blurt answers out

Act out of turn and don’t think about consequences of actions

Having difficulty in handling frustration

Temper tantrums disproportionate to the child’s age

Refusing to follow rules or questioning authority

Being defiant, oppositional and argumentative

Lack of remorse or empathy having little concern or care for other people’s feelings

Cruelty to animals

Aggressive behaviours

Lying, stealing, setting things on fire, or vandalizing property

Why this is happening?

These problems can result from temporary stressors in the child's life, or they might represent more enduring disorders.

Some of the possible causes include:

Anxiety and/or stress

Low-self steam and/or depression

Learning problems

Personal problems such as difficulties at home, trauma, grief or lost

Not getting proper sleep and/or nutrition and/or exercise

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Oppositional defiant disorder 

Conduct disorders

What is my approach?

As a first step, I will carry a thorough evaluation with you and/or your child. Screening questionnaires (SNAP IV, Conners comprehensive behaviour rating scale, DIVA-5, Social Communication Questionnaire), cognitive assessment, physical examination or liaison with other professionals and school will be provided if you wish.

Once the condition(s) is identified, I will develop a personalized treatment plan jointly with you and/or your child based on personal needs. The treatment will include an integrated approach to achieve optimal behaviour.

This can include:

Information and support to better understand and cope (psychoeducation)

Personal development and self-improvement

Person-centred talking therapy such as interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, play therapy, social skills therapy

Tailored learning techniques and/or behaviour learning plan with school when appropriate

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy

Mind-body centre exercise to increase the relaxation response

Empower parents through positive parenting techniques 

Family therapy

Promote a healthy lifestyle through exercise, diet and micronutrients

Sleep therapy

State-of-the-art medication when appropriate

55 Harley Street, London W1G 8QR
Monday to Friday 8.30 am – 6 pm

Appointments: 020 3488 8555
Fax: 020 3745 0225
Email: enquiries@londonpsychiatry.clinic

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