Health Tip: Does Your Child Have a Behavior Disorder?

When behavior goes beyond typical mischief or rebellion

July 30, 2010 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- Though bad behavior may be a typical phase of childhood, certain signs can indicate something more serious.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says if any of these traits continue for longer than six months, a child may have a behavior disorder:

Indicating that the child wants to hurt himself or herself, other people or animals.
Doing damage to property.
Stealing things or lying frequently.
Getting poor grades or being truant.
Abusing drugs, alcohol or smoking.
Starting sexual activity at a young age.
Arguing often or throwing temper tantrums.
Feeling hostile toward people in authority.