Behavioural Disorder
Behavioural Disorder
Patrick Quanten
When we want to discuss something it always helps if we know what we are talking about. A disorder is defined in several ways.
- A state in which objects or conditions are in no particular order
- An illness of the mind or body
- A situation in which people behave in a way that threatens the safety of other people or the peace of the neighbourhood
So I guess that ‘behavioural disorder’ refers to the last definition. It is a threatening situation to the safety of others or to the peace they enjoy. Let’s be clear about this. It is a threatening situation, so not a real one whereby people are actually put in an unsafe situation. Threatening means expressing the possibility that something unwanted or unpleasant will happen.
This does not seem to be what the medical profession professes behavioural disorders to be. According to them, behavioural disorders is a group of disorders which includes deviations from normal behaviour to such an extent that it makes your life difficult. There is no criterion for 'normal' behaviour. But if a behaviour of any person is such that it is socially and culturally not acceptable and is creating nuisance in the personal and social sphere, it is considered as Behavioural Disorder.
Take note, because it is important as we begin to develop this medical story.
No definition of normal behaviour
Not acceptable behaviour by society or culture
Being a nuisance to society
Behavioural Disorders are medical illness conditions when they, as representatives and protectors of society, determine this to be the case.
Behavioural disorders include:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
- Conduct Disorder
- Anxiety disorders including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Panic Disorder
- Disruptive behavioural disorders
- Emotional disorders
I find this strange! The word ‘conduct’ is a synonym for ‘behaviour’, so why is it a separate ‘behavioural disorder’? Why is ‘disruptive behavioural disorder’ a separate ‘behavioural disorder’ as I thought that the sheer definition of a behavioural disorder meant that the behaviour is disruptive to society? Furthermore, being emotional or being anxious is now a ‘behavioural disorder’. And what to think of ‘oppositional defiant disorder’? It is defined as a pattern of angry or irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behaviour. So if you are angry or irritable on a regular basis you are suffering from a behavioural disorder. I guess the idea behind this is that we are supposed to be nice, always. And you are definitely not allowed to be defiant in society, as that means ‘proudly refusing to obey authority’ or ‘not willing to accept criticism or disapproval’, something a person is not allowed to do, whilst authorities are allowed to live by it.
But before moving on we do need to include another important statement from the medical profession.
“No one knows the actual cause or causes of emotional disturbance, although several factors — heredity, brain disorder, diet, stress, and family functioning — have been suggested and vigorously researched. A great deal of research goes on every day, but to date, researchers have not found that any of these factors are the direct cause of behavioural or emotional problems.”
Take note.
Emotional and behavioural disorders are essentially seen as the same thing
No cause for these disorders is known
All suggested possible causes have been dismissed by their own research
It seems to me that, when one does not know the cause of an illness or disorder, it is impossible to have an effective treatment for it. However that does not bother the medical profession either. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illnesses, mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan. And remember that the diagnosis is made by the protectors of society, the medical profession, and that they, subsequently, also decide how to ‘treat’ what they consider to be a behavioural disorder.
Let’s clarify something else. Is there a difference between a behavioural disorder and a mental disorder? All behavioural disorders are mental disorders. The only distinction that is made is the fact that the behaviour of people with mental problems that are not classified as behavioural disorders is one of isolation and retreating from social interaction. I would argue that such a behaviour within a family unit does create anxiety and a disruption to the function of that social unit, is not acceptable behaviour by that unit. Therefore it completely fits the definition of ‘behavioural disorder’. It is no more than another artificially created so-called separate disorder.
The World Health Organisation is, as per usual, not helping to provide a clear answer. “A mental disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behaviour. It is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. There are many different types of mental disorders. Mental disorders may also be referred to as mental health conditions. The latter is a broader term covering mental disorders, psychosocial disabilities and (other) mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning, or risk of self-harm.” They introduce the term ‘mental health condition’, which they say covers a wider range of psychosocial disabilities and mental states associated with distress and behavioural disturbances. Are we, once again, splitting hairs?
Maybe things will become a little clearer when we examine some behaviour that most people would find disturbing and would classify as ‘a disorder’.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
This is defined as a developmental disorder marked by persistent symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development. Children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD, differ in that their symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, organisation, and/or inattention are noticeably greater than expected for their age or developmental level. These symptoms lead to significant suffering and cause problems at home, at school or work, and in relationships. There are three main types of ADHD:
- Predominantly inattentive presentation.
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation.
- Combined presentation.
A diagnosis is based on the presence of persistent symptoms that have occurred over a period of time and are noticeable over the past six months. While ADHD can be diagnosed at any age, this disorder begins in childhood. Treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can help relieve the symptoms and make the condition much less of a problem in day-to-day life. ADHD can be treated using medicine or therapy, but a combination of both is often best.
The medications are mainly stimulants (amphetamines or equivalents). They all are known to increase the risk of suicide.
Therapy includes ‘behavioural therapy’, parent training and other treatments such as diet and supplements.
It is clearly stated that no therapy will be a cure for ADHD but it may help someone with the condition, concentrate better, be less impulsive, feel calmer, and learn and practise new skills.
Take note.
“We don’t know what is causing your problem but you must follow our treatment programme”
With the treatment programme you have a greater chance you would want to kill yourself
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
This is a long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviours (compulsions), or both. People with OCD have time-consuming symptoms that can cause significant distress or interfere with daily life.
Common obsessions include:
- Fear of germs or contamination
- Fear of forgetting, losing, or misplacing something
- Fear of losing control over one’s behaviour
- Aggressive thoughts toward others or oneself
- Unwanted, forbidden, or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm
- Desire to have things symmetrical or in perfect order
Common compulsions include:
- Excessive cleaning or handwashing
- Ordering or arranging items in a particular, precise way
- Repeatedly checking things, such as that the door is locked or the oven is off
- Compulsive counting
- Praying or repeating words silently
Although the exact causes of OCD are unknown, various risk factors increase the chances of developing the disorder.
- Genetics: Scientists have not identified any one gene or set of genes that definitively leads to OCD.
- Biology: Research is underway to better understand the connection between OCD symptoms and parts of the brain. This knowledge can help researchers develop and adapt treatments targeted to specific brain locations.
- Temperament: Some research has found that people who exhibit more reserved behaviours, experience negative emotions, and show symptoms of anxiety and depression as children are more likely to develop OCD.
- Childhood trauma: Some studies have reported an association between childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. More research is needed to understand this relationship.
Mental health professionals treat OCD with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of treatments. The most common medications prescribed for OCD are antidepressants, even though nothing in the symptoms indicates a depression. They even say that a higher dosage is required to treat OCD than it is to treat depression! Psychotherapy involves talking therapy as well as ‘exposure and response prevention therapy’, whereby they are forced not to respond in their usual way after exposure to the trigger. This, of course, creates an inner conflict, with a tremendous amount of tension.
Take note.
Your response is unconscious and automatic, but we will talk to you so you can simply change your mind
When talking doesn’t help, we will force you to change by making you suffer
When making you suffer doesn’t work, we will implant some electrodes and alter the function of your brain (experimental treatment that comes highly recommended!)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Autism is known as a ‘spectrum’ disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.
Autistic people may:
- find it hard to communicate and interact with other people
- find it hard to understand how other people think or feel
- find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable
- get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events
- take longer to understand information
- do or think the same things over and over
Researchers don’t know the primary causes of ASD, but studies suggest that a person’s genes can act together with aspects of their environment to affect development in ways that lead to ASD. Some factors that are associated with an increased likelihood of developing ASD include:
- Having a sibling with ASD
- Having older parents
- Having certain genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome)
- Having a very low birth weight
Early treatment for ASD is important as proper care and services can reduce individuals’ difficulties while helping them build on their strengths and learn new skills. People with ASD may face a wide range of issues, which means that there is no single best treatment for ASD.
The National Health Service makes some interesting comments. “Being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. It means your brain works in a different way from other people. It's something you're born with. Autism is not a medical condition with treatments or a cure.” And yet the medical profession offers treatments!
These involve behavioural therapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. Medication is used to treat co-occurring symptoms (those that happen along with ASD), such as anxiety or depression, in addition to medical conditions such as seizures, sleep problems, or stomach or other gastrointestinal problems. Complementary therapies include special diets, herbal supplements, chiropractic care, animal therapy, arts therapy, mindfulness, or relaxation therapy.
Take note.
It is ‘something’ you are born with – a deformity (here it is in the brain!)
Then it develops into a behavioural pattern that differs greatly from the ‘usual’
Then the behaviour must be curbed to align with the ‘usual’ without altering ‘the deformity’
Interactions, communication, learning and behaviour are all aspects of life that we learn from a very young age. The baby, toddler, young child, they all learn through their own experience. Each individual is unique in its makeup and learns how best to respond to its environment, which, in its own right, is also unique. So no two individuals are the same and no two environments are exactly the same. The individual learns what becomes the behavioural pattern that is best suited to who he or she is, with the aim to survive and to live in its environment. If the individual experiences the environment as quite threatening, it is not an unusual reaction to try and withdraw from it in as much as one can. This retreat from engagement with the environment begins at a very age and develops through childhood and into young adulthood.
There is, in essence, nothing wrong with the autistic child. It is simply that it doesn’t feel safe, supported and protected by the world in which it lives.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. Unlike simple mood swings, each extreme episode of bipolar disorder can last for several weeks (or even longer). These shifts can make it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks.
While it's not known what causes bipolar disorder, these factors may be involved:
- Biological differences. People with bipolar disorder appear to have physical changes in their brains.
- Genetics. Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a first-degree relative, such as a sibling or parent, with the condition.
The following treatment options are available:
- medicine to prevent episodes of mania and depression – these are known as mood stabilisers, and you take them every day on a long-term basis
- medicine to treat the main symptoms of depression and mania when they happen
- learning to recognise the triggers and signs of an episode of depression or mania
- psychological treatment – such as talking therapy
- lifestyle advice – such as doing regular exercise, planning activities you enjoy that give you a sense of achievement, as well as advice on improving your diet and getting more sleep
Take note.
No known cause, but it has to be either a brain problem or genetic – No research supports either theory
Medication to control your mood, while emotions, moods, are a natural phenomenon and essential to your survival
Medication to counteract the acute episodes as they swing around, one after the other
Since when is talking someone out of a depression an effective treatment?
No particular lifestyle makes any difference to how you feel
In nature, behaviour is determined by what one has learned. And learning about how to live in one’s specific environment, being the specific individual one is, occurs through own experience and through observing how others interact with that environment. This learning process lays down unconscious patterns of reaction, which the system of the individual then uses as an automatic response to certain situations he finds himself in. Hence, behavioural disorders are all expressions of these learned patterns. No pattern is ‘disturbed’ or unacceptable in its own right. Each pattern is essential to the survival of the individual, no matter how it is judged.
This means that, in nature, there are no behavioural disorders. There is just behaviour. In nature, the wide spectrum of possible reaction patterns is displayed and accepted. So, if it isn’t nature that has ‘invented’ behavioural disorders, where does the concept comes from? The answer is simple. The medical profession has turned behaviours that were, for a very long time, accepted and taken into consideration, into diseases and disorders. Conditions that require treatment. Some of these behaviours have, even in the past, caused social awkwardness and disruption, but it was only a problem to society in its extreme excesses. To this effect closed asylums for the ‘insane’ were used to remove these individuals from society. Nowadays we brand them as being different, needing all our empathy and we give them more space, more time, more consideration within society. We separate the spectrum of behaviour into a middle ground, deemed to be normal, and either side of that, deemed to be ‘children with special needs’, thereby ignoring the fact that all children have special needs. In fact, each child has special needs, not just the ones with a medical diagnosis on their forehead.
We fail to acknowledge that behaviour is a learned skill. It consists of two parts. Firstly, there is what the species has learned what their requirements are in order to survive the environment they are confronted with, time and time again. This knowledge is passed on into the makeup of the specific sort within a species. In human terms, it determines the various races, each best adapted to their wider environment, both in terrain and climate. Secondly, there is what the individual has learned about what he or she specifically needs for survival in their immediate environment. In other words, how can this specific individual, with that specific set of strengths and weaknesses, survive in the conditions he will encounter in his immediate surroundings, the ‘here and now’ environment? The taking on board of the information contained in both lessons begins during the pregnancy. First, the human being is formed so it can, physically and mentally, embrace that information, so he is prepared for what is coming his way. This stage is then complemented by taking in, either by copying or by rejecting, reaction patterns of the mother, who is the window onto the future specific environment of the growing individual. After birth, this process continues whereby the baby, the child, further modifies these patterns according to its own experiences. The result is the behaviour of the child. From the point of view of the child, all behaviour is appropriate. From society’s point of view, some behaviour will be more ‘appropriate’, more in line, less clashing, than other behaviour, and society certainly has a preference and wants compliance to what it regards as ‘normal’.
As someone who struggles to comply with the rules of engagement set out by society, or as parents to a child who struggles in this way, there is a choice to be made: either one values the requirements of society more than those of the child, or one chooses the child over society. In the first instance, we have behavioural disorders. In the second, we have an individual we need to consider the needs of.
What is the problem? The problem is an individual who doesn’t have enough skills to comply with the life that is forced upon him. There is a mismatch between how the individual has been formed and what life is now expecting him to do. Hence, there are two different approaches to solve this problem. One is to make him conform, to make him ‘normal’ again, to help him to be like all the others. The other is to acknowledge that he doesn’t fit into his environment, doesn’t comply with the norms and values of his surroundings and that his environment needs to allow for this specific individual to be himself. In this case, how the world around this individual is structured and functions needs to be examined as currently there isn’t enough living space for that individual. Areas of serious conflicts need to be identified and alterations must be made to allow more room for who this individual is. Behavioural disorder can become behaviour when the environment acknowledges a person for the individual he or she is and makes the necessary compromises to allow the functioning of this individual, in accordance with his makeup, his constitution.
Caring about an individual involves taking note of his basic requirements in life. It is about allowing him the space to express himself as he truly is. When he encounters situations that threaten his existence, he will react. He will either retreat or attack. This is normal behaviour. The problem is not the behaviour but the situation that he finds himself in. Living under such conditions may require a permanent state of defensive actions, constantly being alert, constantly ready to fight or flee. This situation the individual finds himself in cannot be alleviated by trying to make him conform. It will only result in an ever increasing level of stress and pressure. Only by becoming aware of what it is within his environment that makes his system fight for survival can we figure out what we can change in order for his system to calm down. Change the environment in the appropriate places so the individual finds the necessary food, support and safety that he requires in his life.
When more and more new individuals show signs of really difficult integration into the life as set out by society, it is a sure sign that society is beginning to push the boundaries of what is acceptable to nature. Nature will always adapt to changes, but the limits are set by what is or isn’t liveable. When more and more individuals demonstrate through their behaviour that they cannot integrate, it is a sure sign that what is asked of them is no longer liveable. Life itself is heading for the abyss.
Behavioural disorders are a problem to society. It is a problem, at least the scale of it, that has been created by society. The increasing numbers of ‘special needs children’, of mental health problems in youngsters, of children with a diagnosis of behavioural disorder, are a warning sign on the road to our future development. We are heading in the wrong direction. Dead end street. No way through.
Make an informed decision. Who do you want to survive: society or your child?
October 2024