Defiance, violence, rebellion, isolation, mood swings, outbursts. Lying, testing boundaries, breaking rules. Do any of these phrases resonate with you?
If you’re a parent of a teenager, your answer was likely “yes.” Teenagers have a tendency to go against the grain, push boundaries with their parents, and seek independence and identity outside their family unit. These behaviors can be problematic, but are not all that uncommon during the adolescent years.
You see, adolescence is a period of rapid development. Teenagers’ brains, bodies, and priorities are all changing. Their search for individuality and autonomy is rampant, and their desire to fit in with friends is often second to none. As a result, teens can exhibit challenging behaviors at times. However, there is a point when behavioral problems can become worrisome, indicating larger or deep-seated issues at bay.
To help parents understand which adolescent behaviors are concerning, as well as how to navigate adolescent behavior problems at home, we’ve created this guide.
Common behavioral problems during adolescence
When we talk about adolescent behavior problems, what exactly do we mean? At a high level, behavioral problems are disruptive actions or manners that require specialized attention and care.
While “behavior problems” is often used casually in conversation, this term is typically meant to describe behavioral or conduct disorders, which present in childhood or adolescence, and usually require treatment and support. Behavioral disorders involve a child acting out and displaying unwanted or unsafe behaviors towards others.
Now, it’s not unusual for children and teenagers to argue with their parents, defy the rules, or be aggressive towards others occasionally. However, if these behaviors become persistently problematic, are uncommon for the person’s age, or are severe and threatening, it can indicate a more concerning behavioral disorder.
Common adolescent behavioral disorders include, but are not limited to:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with symptoms often including impulsiveness, difficulty focusing, and excessive fidgeting. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in childhood and adolescence.
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), which involves frequent arguing, defiance, and refusal to follow the rules.
- Conduct disorder, which is typically characterized by more severe forms of disruptive behavior, including aggression, vandalism, theft, and violence.
- Substance abuse disorder (SUD), which is commonly known as substance addiction to drugs or alcohol.
- Eating disorders, which display as unhealthy eating patterns and extreme preoccupation with body image. Eating disorders can involve eating excessively, not eating at all, purging food consumed, and more.
While there is not a formal diagnosis for it, self-harm is another type of adolescent behavior problem that can affect teens. Self-harm, which involves deliberately harming oneself (often as a means of coping with difficult emotions or thoughts), is typically seen as a symptom of mental disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. It can coincide with suicide ideation and thoughts of death. However, because it’s a behavior – and is increasing in prevalence among teens – it is worth a mention here.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that there is a fine line between what’s considered behavioral problems and mental health problems. In teens especially, mental health disorders can trigger problematic behaviors such as anger outbursts, panic attacks, obsessive urges or compulsions, violence, and substance abuse. With this in mind, adolescent behavior problems can often signal mental health concerns. Learn about the differences between mental health and behavioral health here.
What causes adolescent behavior problems?
There are many factors that can cause or contribute to behavioral problems during adolescence. These might be related to a teen’s brain development, underlying disorders, substance abuse, major life events, or other environmental factors. Any struggling teen can become vulnerable to behavior and conduct problems, as well as mental health issues.
Commonly, adolescents who have been exposed to stressful life events, or who have a history of trauma, are vulnerable to mental and behavioral disorders. For example, someone who has been abused might have body image issues, which eventually feed into an eating disorder. A teenager who has a troubled home environment, or who has been forced to move/change schools, might channel their anger into violence towards others, or misconduct in school or the community. A teen who has experienced trauma might turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism, which can quickly spiral into dependency.
These are just some of the many examples of struggles faced by teenagers, as well as potential causes of behavioral problems during the adolescent years. However, there are many other risk factors, such as:
- Underlying mental health disorders, like depression or anxiety
- Unaddressed learning disabilities, causing added stress or frustration in school
- Unstable home or family environments, including conflict, neglect, abuse, lack of supervision, or lack of a steady adult figure
- Pressure from peers to participate in risky behaviors, or conform to social standards
- Disruptions in brain development, causing poor impulse control or developmental delays
If your teenager is struggling in some capacity, whether it’s with sadness, anxiety, academics, or even socially, it’s important to know the difference between normal adolescent behaviors and problematic ones. As noted above, behavioral disorders typically require professional intervention and support, in order to protect each teen—and those around them—from any harm.
Signs of behavioral disorders in adolescence
Each type of behavioral disorder can display different symptoms. In adolescence, three of the most common behavioral disorders include ADHD, CD, and ODD. While ODD and ADHD typically begin before age 12, symptoms can carry into the adolescent years, especially when left untreated. Below are some signs of each type of adolescent behavioral disorder.
Signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Children and teenagers will display symptoms of ADHD differently, though it will vary case by case. Typically, adolescents appear restless or fidgety, struggle to pay attention, act on impulse, and participate in risky activities. These symptoms can result in academic, organizational, and interpersonal challenges. Common signs of ADHD in teens include:
- Difficulty paying attention
- Excessive energy and moving around, with the inability to control it
- Talking excessively, and often interrupting others
- Inability to stay patient for long periods
- Impulsivity, or acting without thinking
- Trouble concentrating and following rules
- Frequently losing things, as well as forgetfulness
- Fidgeting or squirming while seated, and feeling restless
Signs of Conduct Disorder (CD):
Conduct disorder is usually diagnosed during the adolescent years. It is characterized by an ongoing pattern of defiance and violation of the rules. Teenagers with conduct disorder are more likely to get injured, due to their rebelliousness, and have trouble sustaining healthy relationships with others. Signs of conduct disorder in teens include:
- Constantly breaking the rules, such as staying out past curfew or skipping school
- Aggression towards other people and animals
- Damaging others’ property on purpose
- Stealing or breaking into houses/businesses
- Lying and manipulation
Signs of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD):
Oppositional defiant disorder is typically diagnosed between the ages of 8 and 12, and is therefore more common in younger children. However, adolescents can struggle with ODD, too, and ODD can turn into CD over the years. According to the CDC, all children test their limits and push boundaries from time-to-time, as it’s necessary for development. However, those with oppositional defiant disorder will do this excessively, negatively affecting their daily function and social life. Signs of ODD often include:
- Frequent anger outbursts and short temper
- Refusal to comply with rules or adults’ requests
- Arguing with adult figures, particularly those they are closest with (e.g. parents)
- Acting spiteful or resentful
- Deliberately annoying others or becoming annoyed with others
- Blaming other people for their own mistakes or behaviors
Other Adolescent Behavioral Problems
Other behavioral issues in teenagers, which can signal more concerning disorders, include:
- Loss of interest in once-loved activities
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Avoiding social activities
- Extreme or frequent mood swings
- Sudden changes in weight or eating habits
- Increase in drug and alcohol abuse
- Poor academic performance, or school avoidance
- Disturbed sleep
- Self-harm
- Cognitive behavioral issues, including inability to concentrate, make decisions, or control impulses
Substance use disorders and eating disorders can also be classified as behavioral, but because their symptoms are largely physical, they are usually more obvious. Learn about the signs of problematic substance use and eating disorders in teens by reading the articles below:
What strategies can parents implement to overcome adolescent behavior problems?
Children and teenagers are in dynamic periods of development; they do not yet have the physical capacity to control their impulses, think rationally, or manage emotions on their own. When it comes to these functions, they rely on parents for support and guidance. As such, it’s important we do not ignore problematic behaviors in teenagers. We should also not criticize or deliver harsh punishments for these behaviors, especially if a disorder is at their root.
The best way for parents to support adolescents with behavioral problems is to promote trust, love, and good mental health in the home. Healthy behaviors can also help fuel good mental and behavioral health. For example, parents can help their teenagers by:
- Having open conversations about mental health and potential problems their teens are facing
- Being a listening ear, without judgment or punishment, when their teens come to them for help
- Promoting adequate sleep (at least 8 hours a night for adolescents) and bedtime habits at home
- Strengthening relationships with family members, friends, and the larger community
- Encouraging movement, exercise, and getting outside for a natural mental boost
- Providing healthy meals focused on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains
- Offering support and treatment for other underlying conditions, whether that’s a learning disability, mental health problem, or medical issue
Of course, while these changes can promote stronger mental and behavioral health, treatment is often needed for teens facing behavioral disorders. Common treatments include behavioral therapy (such as CBT), family therapy, medication, and skills training to help teens manage their emotions and anxieties.
Treatment for behavioral disorders should also be personalized to each teen’s needs. As stated by the CDC, “Treatment is most effective if it fits the needs of the specific child and family. The first step to treatment is to talk with a health care provider. A comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional may be needed to get the right diagnosis.”
At Turnbridge, our clinicians specialize in the unique experiences and disorders faced by modern teens. If you are unsure where to turn for support, you can always contact us. We can discuss your concerns and help you understand the best next steps for your family. Call 877-581-1793 to learn more.