Children exhibit all kinds of interesting behaviors. Many of these behaviors are normal boundary testing, showing independence, and other healthy milestones you want to see, like defiance, withdrawing, or acting out in reaction to life changes.
Behaviors that could be warning signs of a behavioral disorder include threatening or harming others, damaging possessions, difficulty forming relationships, frequent signs of unhappiness or depression, anxiety about school, defiance and hostility toward authority figures, frequently lying or stealing, or using drugs at an early age.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time for a behavioral health evaluation from your child’s pediatrician, which will include a complete medical examination and possibly additional testing. Treatment may include individual, group, and family counseling, lifestyle modification, medication, or specialty care with a child psychologist.