How To Tell The Difference Between Bad And Psychopathic Behavior

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SO-CALLED “CONDUCT DISORDER” AND SIMPLY BAD BEHAVIOR OR DISOBEDIENCE?

A child or teen who is recurrently displaying poor behaviors and decision-making and persistently disobedient may have Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). These kids/teens often lose their tempers, argue, resist rules and discipline, defy people of authority, such as parents and teachers, refuse to comply with directions and in general have a low frustration tolerance.

Conduct disorder is used to describe a child or teenager who displays a pattern of violating the rights of others, uses intimidation or aggression toward people or animals, steals or deliberately destroys property. The DSM-5, a diagnostic handbook used by mental health professionals, describes these children/teens as having “a callous and unemotional interpersonal style.” They lack empathy and therefore, do not understand or care about how their behaviors and may physically or emotionally hurt others.

A key difference between ODD and conduct disorder lies in the role of “control.” Children who are oppositional or defiant will fight against being controlled. Children who have begun to move—or have already moved—into conduct disorder will fight not only against being controlled, but will attempt to control others as well.

They may “con” or manipulate others to do what they want, taking things that don’t belong to them, or use aggression or physical intimidation to control a situation. Parents of children who exhibit this type of behavior describe feeling afraid in their own home, whereas living with a child who is oppositional and defiant can leave a parent frustrated, angry, disheartened and sad. It doesn’t typically lead to fear.

HOW EARLY DO CHILDREN USALLY SHOW SIGNS OF THIS TYPE OF MENTAL DISORDER AND CAN IT BE PREVENTED FROM BECOMING A SERIOUS PROBLEM AS THEY GROW UP?

Conduct disorder can have an early onset early, before age 10, or in adolescence. Children who display early onset conduct disorder are at a greater risk to experience persistent difficulties, and they are more likely to have troubled peer relationships and academic problems.

Early treatment can often prevent future problems, but will depend on your child’s symptoms (severity) age, and general health.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PSYCHOPATH OR SOCIOPATH?

Some researchers believe that psychopaths tend to be born, so it’s likely caused by a genetic predisposition, while sociopaths tend to be made by their environment.

Psychopaths are generally, more manipulative, can be seen by others as more charming, may appear to lead a normal life, and minimizes risk in criminal activities.

Sociopaths are typically, more erratic, rage-prone, and unable to lead as much of a normal life. When engaged in criminal activity, they tend to do so in a reckless manner without regard to consequences.

They both share common features of antisocial personality disorder, which is defined as someone who exhibits 3 of 7 symptoms of the following:

Disregard for society’s laws
Violation of the physical or emotional rights of others
Lack of stability in job and home life
Irritability and aggressiveness
Lack of remorse
Consistent irresponsibility
Recklessness, impulsivity
Deceitfulness, constantly lying

To meet criteria for antisocial personality disorder, evidence of a childhood diagnosis or symptoms consistent with conduct disorder are present.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CLUES TO A SOCIOPATH OR PSYCHOPATH IN CHILDHOOD?

There is an established link between conduct disorder and the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder (a shared and common feature of psychopathy and sociopathy) as an adult. In fact, the diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality disorder requires a conduct disorder diagnosis before the age of 15.

In the DSM-5, a diagnostic handbook used by mental health professionals, conduct disorder is characterized by “a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated, as manifested by the presence of three (or more) of the above criteria in the past 12 months, with at least one criterion present in the past 6 months.”

Many symptoms seen in children with conduct disorder can also be observed in children/teens without this problem. However, in children with the disorder, these symptoms occur more often and are severe. They also interfere with learning, school adjustment, and sometimes with the child’s relationships.

Some clues to what may develop into a psychopath or sociopath in a child are seen in this disorder. Each child’s symptoms may vary. The 4 main groups of behaviors are:

Aggressive conduct

Intimidating behavior
Bullying
Physical fights
Cruelty to others or animals
Use of weapons to threat harm
Forcing someone into sexual activity, rape, or molestation

Destructive conduct

Intentionally destroying property (vandalism)
Arson

Deceitfulness

Lying
Theft
Shoplifting
Delinquency

Violation of rules or age-appropriate norms

Not going to school (truancy)
Running away
Pranks
Mischief
Very early sexual activity

These symptoms may look like other mental health problems, so it is important for a healthcare provider to establish the diagnosis and distinguish it from other medical and mental health issues.

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON CAUSE FOR THIS DISORDER?

There are many factors that play a role in causing conduct disorder.

These are:

Brain damage

Traumatic event(s)

Genes

Child abuse

Past school failure

Social problems

Some children/teens with conduct disorders seem to have a problem in the frontal lobe of the brain. This interferes with a child’s ability to organize, plan, think before acting, stay away from harm, and learn from negative experiences.

Research on conduct disorder has shown that a series of traumatic experiences occurs for a child to develop this disorder. These experiences can often lead to depressed moods, behavior problems, and involvement in a deviant peer groups.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE U.S. POPULATION IS LIKELY LIVING WITH SOME TYPE OF ANTI-SOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER?

About three percent of men and about one percent of women have antisocial personality disorder. Much higher percentages exist among the prison population.

WHERE SHOULD A PARENT GO FOR HELP IF THEY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR CHILD’S BEHAVIOR AND/OR MENTAL STATE?

If you are concerned your child’s behaviors, it is important to get appropriate care. I recommend the following:

Talk to your child’s doctor, school nurse, or other health care provider about the behaviors or symptoms that concern you.
Ask your child’s primary care physician if your child needs further evaluation by a specialist with experience in child behavioral problems
Ask if your child’s specialist is experienced in treating the problems you are observing.

Talk to your medical provider about any medication and treatment plans.

I also recommend starting a conversation with your child about his/her mental health. Try leading with these questions. I encourage you to communicate your concerns with your child’s doctor.

1) Can you tell me more about what is happening? How you are feeling?

2) Have you felt like this in the past?

3) Let’s talk about your feelings/emotions. I’m here to listen.

4) How can I help you feel better?

5) I’m worried about you. Have you ever had thoughts about harming yourself or others?

As a family unit, explore the treatment options available with your child’s doctor. Treatment should focus on the needs of each child and should be family-centered and developmentally and culturally appropriate. Locate a family support group or organizations that can help, in your community.

CAN THIS BE PREVENTED WITHOUT MEDICATION?

Although it may not be possible to prevent conduct disorder, recognizing and acting on symptoms when they appear can minimize distress to the child and family, and prevent many of the problems associated with the condition. Treatment outcomes can vary, but early intervention to getting appropriate help can reduce the risk for incarcerations, mood disorders, and the development of other comorbidities such as substance abuse and depression.

There are no medications that have been formally approved to manage conduct disorders. Medications are used as an adjuvant treatment for children and teens who are highly aggressive, impulsive or have mood-disorder symptoms. However, medications have been found to be useful at managing specific symptoms of other disorders associated with conduct disorder. Symptom control may help the child/teen participate in family or community interventions or treatments.

In addition, a consistent, nurturing and supportive, home environment with a balance of discipline and love can help reduce symptoms and prevent episodes of disturbing behaviors.

Promising treatment programs for conduct disorder focus on enhancing parenting skills and creating support networks for families. Since conduct problems are about social interaction, it is important work with families and communities, not just individual children and youth.

WILL SOME CHILDREN JUST GROW OUT OF THIS TYPE OF BEHAVIOR?

Research has shown that most children and teens with conduct disorder do not grow up as adults to have behavioral problems or problems with the law as adults. The majority of these youth do well as adults, both socially and occupationally.

HOW DO YOU CONVINCE SOMEONE THAT THEIR CHILD NEEDS HELP AND THE PARENT IS IN DENIAL?

For some parents, just trying to comprehend the disparity between their desires for their child and the possibility that their child may have a mental health disorder compounds their emotional and intellectual efforts to adjust to the situation and provide help for their child. They may feel grief, depression, fear or shame. Some may also feel that they are being punished for sins or bad acts of the past. So, for some, it is easier for their mind to go against this belief and denial sets in.

One in ten young people will experience a mental health problem which equates to three in every classroom. This is why it is imperative to break through this denial and encourage parents to seek help for their child.

As a loved one or friend of a parent whose child you are concerned about and depending on your relationship with their parent(s), here are some things to consider if you choose to discuss your concerns with them:

1) Let the parent know that you need to have an important conversation with them.

2) Pick a good time and place to talk that is comfortable for them.

3) Approach them with empathy. You might say something like “I know this is really hard for you, but I’m talking to you because I love you and your family. If I didn’t care, we wouldn’t be having this talk.”

4) Be prepared for the parent(s) to be upset – and try not to get defensive.

5) Use “I” statements, such as “I’m concerned about your child.”

6) Offer to pay for the appointment, if possible. A common excuse is that mental health appointments are too pricey.

7) Avoid using words like “crazy” or “abnormal.”

There is no perfect child, just like there is no perfect parent. Children should be loved unconditionally and our love should include the responsibility of tending to all of their needs and locating help, when needed. There are more resources now than ever and parents are not alone if this is about their child.

IS THERE A POSSIBLiITY WITH TAKING MEDICATION, THE PERSON WILL HAVE TO TAKE IT FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIFE?

There is no approved medications for conduct disorder. Medication treatment is used in cases there are other associated mental health disorders that occur with the child’s conduct disorder such as ADHD, depression and anxiety. Long term medication use can help provide symptom control and the length of treatment is determined with the assistance of an individual’s doctor.

Treatments for conduct disorder are designed to decrease or eliminate behavior problems in the short-run. They also work towards the long-term goal of preventing a child/teen’s behavioral problems from worsening over time (for instance, into a full-blown adult Antisocial Personality Disorder).

Treatment approaches need to intervene at many levels. and therefore, may lead to life-long treatment. Early interventions may influence the course and may prevent the need for “treatment” in the juvenile justice system. An ideal, comprehensive treatment plan integrates the individual, family, school and community. There are evidence-based treatment programs such as functional family therapy, multisystemic therapy and community organizations that are working at the various levels required to provide the best treatment plan for a child and their family.

WILL INSURANCE COVER THE TREATMENT COST?

Check the description of your healthcare plan benefits. Your plan should include information on behavioral health services or coverage for mental health and substance-use disorders. If you still aren’t sure, ask your human resources representative or contact your insurance company directly.

Your “Text Tom” Questions Answered on the next page.

“Text Tom” Questions

What about narcissistic people. Is that a trait of a mental health problem?
Narcissistic personality disorder is in fact a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, they often encounter troubled relationships, and have a lack of empathy for others. However, behind this “mask” of extreme confidence lies a fragile self-esteem that’s vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

Individuals with narcissistic personality disorders experience problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. They may be generally unhappy and disappointed when they’re not given the special favors or admiration they believe they deserve. They may find their relationships unfulfilling, and others may not enjoy being around them.

Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder centers around talk therapy (psychotherapy). Medications may be used to treat depression and/or anxiety, which commonly co-exists with this personality disorder.

How does someone on the low-income spectrum afford to take the right step for saving their child?
When you have poor or no health insurance, you may prioritize other issues over mental health care. This could mean ignoring undiagnosed issues or skipping treatment that causes further problems. The following are some suggestions of locating affordable or free counseling and other mental health care services.

1. Apply for Affordable Health Care
If your employer does not provide insurance coverage or the cost of private insurance is too costly, you will likely have to pay a fee under the Affordable Healthcare Act.
For assistance, apply at Healthcare.gov. You could receive help covering insurance costs, or you may qualify for free health insurance coverage through your state’s Medicaid program.

When insurance fails you, here are some more options to get the care you need for you and your family.

2. Locate a Training Clinic
Like other areas of medicine, doctors of psychology need to practice working with the public before they become clinical or counseling psychologists.
This is helpful for individuals and families who are uninsured or want to save money on therapy.
Training clinics are usually located near or as part of universities. Therapy sessions are scheduled with a professional / graduate student and are supervised by a licensed psychologist. These clinics typically use sliding scale fees (which could be as low as $0.)
To locate a training clinic for therapy near you, go to: Association of Psychology Training Clinics. You can also search “[your city] psychology training clinic.”

3. Visit a Community Mental Health Center
Community mental health centers provide free or low-cost therapy options and other mental health services covered by Medicaid insurance.
Here are suggestions of locating these services within your community:
1) Locate a center through the Department of Human Services at your state’s government website.
2) You can also find services through private non-for-profit organizations. For example, YMCA offers low-cost/sliding scale behavior health and family services for kids and adults.
3) The Partnership for Prescription Assistance has a Free Clinic Finder . Use your zip code to locate clinics in your area.
4) The U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources also has a listing of free clinics in your community. You may find that listing here.
5) The National Alliance on Mental Illness may also provide information of where to find mental health care and treatment in your area. Call them toll free at 1-800-950-NAMI or contact them through their web site which you may find here.
6) Here is a listing of toll free numbers to call to mental health clinics across the country.
7) Here is another listing of free clinics to search for in your community.
8) Find a Community Mental Health Center here.
9) The federal government provides a Mental Health Services locator here.

4. Attend a Support Group
You miss out on the individualized care and complete anonymity of private sessions, however support groups can be the perfect solution for free or low-cost therapy.
Organizations like the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) host free community support groups in person or online.
If you want to work with a particular therapist but can’t afford private sessions — because you lost insurance coverage, for example — ask if they offer group sessions. These services are usually offered at a lower rate.

5. Negotiate and ask for discounts
You might not realize it, but your medical bills are totally negotiable. By a lot.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate the cost of services— this isn’t a business deal, so you don’t have to worry about making a bad impression.
I recommend asking about negotiated rates prior to scheduling your appointment. They may be willing to cut the cost by more than half if you can pay upfront.
Another option is to ask if they accept monthly payment plans you can afford to avoid a hit to your credit for late payments.

6. See a Doctor Online
Completing mental health appointments online has been an attractive and growing option for my personal private practice, ADHD Wellness Center! in Houston, TX. I am also licensed in Illinois and instead of me flying to the state or my patients flying to Texas, we are able to complete their mental health care needs online!

Telepsychiatry / telepsych is legitimate, professional, provides you with the “standard of care” and could save you money on mental health care. In many states, it is also covered by insurance plans!

Telepsych is another means of meeting with a mental healthcare professional using a HIPPA-regulated (private/secure) online portal to complete appointments. It works well for families who may: live far from the office, have scheduling conflicts or for those who desire to complete appointments form the comfort of their homes, car or office. Telemedicine doctors can diagnose, recommend treatment and even prescribe medication, if necessary.

7. Lean on your Spiritual Community and Leaders
If you’re involved with an organized religious group, you can find help within that community.
Community churches and religious organizations host free support groups and retreats where you can connect with others in your situation. Ministers and other leaders in the community offer free individual or couple’s counseling.
If you’re worried about exposing about your struggles within a small community, remember: Everyone that attends individual or group therapy is looking for help, just like you.

8. Services at colleges and schools
College or university students (and faculty) likely have access to mental health care services through their schools and universities. Tuition and fees subsidize these services, so take advantage of them! Children enrolled in a K-12 school may have access to sessions with a school counselor as well. This is another option available when your family can’t afford private mental health services.

9. Consult the Internet
Going online to self-diagnose your ailments is not a replacement for professional advice, diagnosis and treatment.
But if you already know what you’re dealing with, consulting a relevant association’s website could help when you have questions and lack access to a doctor.
For example, if you suffer from anxiety, you can find reliable resources at these websites:
• Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America
• International OCD Foundation
Some people also find online forums like Reddit or Facebook groups useful for connecting with other people who understand your situation.

Just be careful to take advice from random individuals with a grain of salt, and never rely on them for a diagnosis.
If you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can call the NAMI Helpline (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to get answers about symptoms, treatments and resources. The Helpline itself doesn’t offer counseling, but it can help you connect with programs in your area.

What is the difference between a tantrum in a 5-year-old and actual aggressive behavior?
Temper tantrums are a normal and common part of child development. They are a way a child shows he/she is angry, frustrated, hungry and/or uncomfortable. Behaviors can range from whining and crying to screaming, hitting, kicking, and breath holding. They’re equally common in boys and girls and usually happen between the ages of 1 to 3.

During age two, also known as “The terrible twos,” is a common age when kids have more frequent, intense and difficult-to-manage tantrums. This is a time when their language skills are beginning to develop and because they have challenges with saying what they want, need or feel, they become frustrated and may cause a tantrum. As their language skills improve, the tantrums decrease.

Some kids may have tantrums during the later years. This may be a sign of a few circumstances: they don’t know how to ask for something they want it, they continue to struggle with language skills, they may desire control or require more attention than what they are given. Simply, they may feel their needs are not being met, so they may revert back to a behavior that worked when they were younger.

Unlike tantrums, a child with aggressive behaviors, as seen in children with oppositional-defiant or conduct disorders, may be living with these mental health disorders that are categorized as disruptive behavior disorders. They display behaviors that are beyond the “normal/natural” aggressive behaviors observed in early childhood and adolescence.

In general, these behaviors are recurrent and persistent and interfere with a child’s family and peer relationships as well as their school functioning. The severity of these behaviors are moderate-severe and their nature can consist of anger that turns into rage (uncontrollable anger) towards authority figures, constant disobedience, defying rules, threatening harm without remorse, stealing, and even violence in some cases. These behaviors need to be managed and require the assistance from a team of mental health professionals.

Would you use these same characteristics to label a psychopath or sociopath on a toddler? Aren’t their behaviors part of early development and learning?
Behaviors of screaming, kicking, and showing frustration and anger are indeed a part of “normal/natural” development. The difference is that toddlers with age-appropriate and developmentally age-appropriate behaviors show remorse and learn from carrying out bad behaviors.

Receiving consequences for their poor behaviors teaches toddlers what is appropriate and helps them to start understanding the behavior expectations of the caregiver or authority figure, distinguishing good from bad behaviors.

I have a niece that’s bipolar schizophrenic and she has two children – I have one of them. Is there any way possible that the daughter may have the same thing?
Schizophrenia is not passed on directly, like hair or eye color. Other conditions that are not fully understood, are necessary because other factors are involved. Otherwise, schizophrenia would always develop in both identical twins, since they have the same heredity or genetics.

The causes of schizophrenia, like all mental illness, are complex and multi-factored (occur due to a number of different causes or influences.) Schizophrenia is more than a genetic disease but people who have family members (blood relatives) with schizophrenia may be more likely to get the disorder themselves.

If both biological parents have schizophrenia, there is nearly a 40 percent chance that their child will get it, too. This happens even if the child is adopted and raised by mentally healthy adults. In people who have an identical twin with schizophrenia, the chance of schizophrenia developing rises to nearly 50 percent.

My son is 3. I’m concerned about the amount of anger I see and a few other things. Some people say it’s normal but idk. I’m a worrier by nature so am I over-reacting or should I get him to someone now?

I encourage you to always go with your parental instincts and knowledge when considering your child’s health and well-being. Showing behavior signs at age three is not too young. People typically “mean well,” but may unintentionally minimize your concerns about your child for many reasons.

I would advise you to be careful to take advice from individuals who are not professionally trained or experienced in dealing with child behaviors.

Instead, I would encourage you to act on your concerns, alleviate your anxieties and seek a professional’s opinion. Early intervention always helps.

When it comes to antisocial behavior; is it seen in teens diagnosed with autism and a family history of depression? What happens if the teen was on antidepressants but parents took them off because they felt teen was better behaved off meds?

Research has shown that Autism and Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) are marked by problems with an individual showing empathy, yet the differences between the two conditions couldn’t be more distinct.

Children/teens with autism generally, may have anxiety and misread social cues, but they typically care about not harming others; they are also often incapable of manipulation. Individuals with Conduct Disorder (which is a required child diagnosis in order to diagnose ASPD as an adult), however, are calculated experts of manipulating people to get what they want, using fear tactics. They actually enjoy causing people pain.

Having a family history of depression does not increase the risks of an individual developing ASPD. Depression is a “mental illness,” whereas ASPD is a “mental disorder.”

My professional opinion is that mental illnesses can be managed with the help of medications (if the depression is of a biochemical cause) and psychotherapy (for psycho-social causes like a developing depression due to the loss of a loved one). Mental disorders (i.e. personality disorders) require intense psychotherapy treatment that should involve the individual’s active participation- which can be difficult, since they do not agree that their personality and behaviors are concerning.

Family therapy and community support services should also be a part of the treatment plan. Medications are often prescribed in cases where personality disorders have co-morbidities of other mental illness, such as depression and anxiety. ASPD cannot be treated with the use of medication.

Depression can be treated with medication, particularly If the mental illness was caused by a biochemical reason. So, it is not unusual even for some children/teens to take anti-depressant medications for a duration of time and no longer need them, since the depression eventually resolves, and they feel better.

For other kids/teens, longer use of antidepressants and/or combination individual and family therapy may be recommended, particularly if their depression results due to a number of biochemical, psychological and social causes. I highly advise consulting your child/teen’s child psychiatrist when the parent or child/teen no longer wants to take medication for their mental illness.

You just described my 14 year old nephew. How do I get the rest of my family to recognize and admit that this little boy has serious mental issues? He has pre-exposure to this behavior from his mother and father. Thank you!
It can be difficult for parents to accept the possibility that your child has a mental health condition. As a loved one or friend of a parent(s) whose child you are concerned about and depending on your relationship with their parent(s), here are some things to consider if you choose to discuss your concerns with them:

1) Let the parent know that you need to have an important conversation with them. This sets the serious tone for the conversation.
2) Pick a good time and place. Consider having this conversation in a private and comfortable place for the parent(s).
3) Approach them with empathy. You might say something like “I know this is really hard for you, but I’m talking to you because I love you and our/your family. If I didn’t care, we wouldn’t be having this talk.”
4) Be prepared for the person to be upset – and try not to get defensive. This is difficult to hear from someone they also love.
5) Use “I” statements, such as “I’m concerned about your child.” Avoid using “you/your,” as it can insinuate blame.
6) Offer to pay for the appointment, if possible. A common excuse is that mental health appointments are too pricey.
7) Show your support for medical and mental health care. Attend your own appointments, my example.
8) If you are close to the parent(s) and child, you can offer to take them to the appointment, and /or wait in the lobby. They may need your support, especially if they receive unexpected news.
9) Don’t use words like “crazy” or “abnormal.”
10) Be a listening ear AFTER treatment is started. It can be very difficult for a parent to care for a child with a mental condition or even decide the next steps for their child. They also may be dealing with their own mental health issues.

My daughter is in her early 20s. She has shown ALL the signs in the time range you described. They said she was narcissistic, gave her medications she would not take the medication. Over the years she has not gotten any better but smokes weed all the time and gets mad when I tell her to stop.

Mental health conditions, like personality disorders and other metal health illnesses (depression, anxiety, etc.) can often present with a substance use disorder, such as marijuana, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. It can make it more challenging to encourage individuals to seek professional help, particularly if they believe their way of self-medicating is providing relief of their condition. I would encourage you to not give up on our daughter. Being a continual support of promoting healthy treatment is good and she may eventually, consider your recommendation. Sometimes, an unfortunate circumstance has to occur that may lead an individual to seek help.

We are experiencing these behaviors with my youngest son. He has been seeing a therapist and psychiatrist for the last year. We have seen no improvement in his behavior. We have had to put locks on doors and restrict access to Internet because he steals.
It is important for you and your child to feel safe in your home. Try not to evoke or redirect kids/teens who may respond with anger or intense emotion. Do not feel guilty or upset about this tactic. Your priority should be on the safety of your child and your family. It is also a sign that professional health is needed if you have to place locks on doors to prevent your child from stealing.

Behavior management can be complex and challenging. Children and adults with behavior disorder tend to resist active participation in individual therapy and/or taking medications. I would advise you to have a very serious discussion with his mental health team (psychiatrist and therapist)and ask if they can offer alternative methods.

I would also suggest you consider obtaining other forms of supportive resources, to include second opinions. Second opinions do not mean you no longer trust your son’s providers. You may locate other providers that can provide a different approach to your child’s clinical situation.

It is also important to explore other supportive services that you add to your child’s mental healthcare team such as:
1) Multisystemic Therapy (MST), which is one of the most effective interventions for managing poor child behaviors (it involves parents, other caregivers as well as your child),
2) Parent management training that includes positive parenting strategies,
3) Behavior Family Therapy,
4) Group Therapy may be helpful for young children, but not for teenagers,
5) Boot camp is actually counterproductive,
6) Research shows that longer-term programs that include academic support, are more effective.

Dr. Dawn Brown is a double-board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. She is the owner, CEO and sole practitioner at ADHD wellness center and has two private practice locations in Texas. She is also the psychiatrist for 3 clinics in Texas and Illinois.

Dr. Brown also has a growing virtual presence, offering online appointments. She is a coach, public speaker, two-time best selling author, professional mentor and organizer of “the ADHD amaze-ability™ academy.” She’s a graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Saint Louis University School of Medicine and Baylor College of Medicine.

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