All teenagers can be sullen and moody sometimes during this particular period between childhood and adulthood and during this time the teenager will go through many different stages and have many thoughts and feelings to deal with in the process. However sometimes things can get out of hand and problems develop deeper and can turn into behavioural problems, which cause the teenager and family deep anxiety and distress. There are ways to deal with these problems and the important thing is to know that you are not alone in what you’re going through, and help can be provided.

Help for teenage behavioural problems

If you are still at school then several schools now offer help for behavioural problems, this is usually in the form of a tutor who you know you can go to should problems occur in school. For problems out of school then your doctor can provide you with information on family counsellors and social organisations that you can attend to help you deal with anger, these are usually anger management centres.

An anger management centre will be able to help you get to the bottom of your problem and help you realise why you get angry like you do and what you can do to tone down the anger and make you feel better.

Problems that occur from behavioural problems

In order for people to be able to help the teenager, the underlying cause of the problem has to be dealt with and by visiting a counsellor or family therapist the problem can then be dealt with. This may take many visits on a regular basis or just one or two and usually the therapist will speak with the teenager alone and with the family members also.

Common problems associated with behavioural disorders

* Feelings of isolation and social withdrawal.

* Playing “hooky” from school or refusing point blank to go.

* Demanding and always thinking of themselves.

* Disregarding rules and refusing to take responsibility.

* Poor behaviour in school.

* Lack of studying in school.

* Disruptive behaviour in school.

* Performance dropping in school.

* Erratic or emotional outbursts.

* Defiant behaviour.

* Disrespectful behaviour.

* Taking part in reckless activities.

* Turing to smoking, drugs or alcohol.

* Turning to stealing.

* Lying.

* Violent or threatening behaviour.

* Self harm or suicidal behaviour.

Common causes for behavioural problems

* Peer pressure.

* Feelings of inadequacy.

* Parental divorce or separation.

* Abuse or neglect.

* Having gone through a traumatic experience.

* Feeling abandoned.

* Parents with alcohol or drug abuse problems.

* Drug abuse or alcohol abuse.

These are all some of the more common reasons why a child or teenager can have behavioural problems. It is important that you get help for any underlying problem with a professional counsellor. Most problems can be dealt with through talking and only very occasionally will medication be needed to help with teenage behavioural problems.