teen behavioral problems

Almost all parents notice changes in behavior—oftentimes in troubling directions—when their children reach their teen years. For most teens, these behaviors are simply a rebellious phase of development where boundaries are tested, authority is questioned and independence is exerted.

But for a relatively small percentage of teens, these behavior patterns indicate serious psychological conditions, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) [ a recurrent pattern of negativistic, defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that persists for at least 6 months] or Conduct Disorder , where the teen persists in continually violating parental rules and the rights of others, showing no concern or empathy. Some common indicators of these psychological conditions include:

• stubbornness, defying authority
• refusing to obey parental or school rules
• becoming moody, easily annoyed or tempermental
• argumentative behavior (with adults and peers)
• constantly testing limits
• deliberately annoying or provoking others
• acting vindictively toward others
• shirking responsibility for his or her own mistakes
• blaming others for personal problems

What causes teenagers to behave in these antisocial ways? Psychologists and Child Behavior specialists agree that there may not be a clear “cause and effect” relationship in all cases, although there are risk factors that may play a part in the onset of teen behavior problems, such as:

• conflict or violence within the family unit
• rejection or bullying by peers
• history of behavior problems in the family
• poor acedemic performance or failure
• lax parental control
• associating with friends who abuse alcohol or drugs, engage in violent or delinquent behavior

In some teens, these symptoms may signal involvement in substance abuse and other addictive behaviors. However, many parents do not realize that these frustrating antisocial behaviors can respond to appropriate treatment. That's where Intervene Teen can help.

If you child is showing signs of rebelliousness that threaten the stability of your family, we urge you to call and speak with one of our teen behavior counselors. You'll learn how our programs can arrest the progression of these behaviors, and avoid the possible progression to more serious conditions.

Please call us now, and let us show you how we can restore peace in your family, and help your teen return to the child you've loved all along—and thought you may have lost.