A very insightful quotation by an expert in the field of parenting and a writer on child development, family relationship and discipline. Let’s us understand and learn this statement with the following example.
A nine-year-old male child, currently studying in third grade, was brought in by his parents due to concerns about his laziness towards studies and his strong desire to play all the time. He exhibits restlessness, irritability, and violent behavior towards his parents whenever they deny any of his wishes, often using abusive language. These behavioral issues have been observed since the child was in kindergarten but have intensified over the last four to six months.
The child has engaged in troubling behaviors such as locking his mother in a room and running away, being cruel to animals, and deriving pleasure from hurting them. He shows little interest in academics, frequently avoiding writing and reading, making writing mistakes, substituting and omitting words, and leaving notebooks incomplete. Additionally, he challenges teachers and threatens classmates.
These complaints are common among parents seeking intervention for their children, and similar stories are often encountered. There could be more expressions of alteration in the behavioural or reactive pattern of the children. More or less common stories behind the most of the cases.
This case is demonstrating multiple dimensions related to his behaviour, his academic performances and some are of emotional, some are of reactive pattern of anger and aggression towards parents and all are in some or other way related to his education.
How, we as a Homoeopath should approach such cases? How to diagnose these behavioural expressions? How to understand the reason behind the genesis of the complaints or behavioural expressions? Is brain having some problem or mind? How we as a Homoeopath should manage such type of cases? How to select the Homoeopathic simillimum for these sorts of the issues.
Demonstrating the case analysis in details with the above case example.
What has come first, the learning difficulty or behavioural issues was the question? Often these issues posed challenges for the Homoeopaths and other professional for the identification and intervention in such cases as not all cases are difficult to treat or so bad to handle. Many a times, child is unable to cope with these limitations and will be presented under the pretext of reactions in terms of not obeying the to parents, not following commands, running away from the situations etc. So, it is important to study the development of the child- at physical and psychological level with respect to the age at which he is. Why the child has exhibited this kind of a behavior ?
Background Information for the child to develop this behavior
- The child’s father was a primary school teacher, and the patient attended the same school.
- Six months ago, the father was transferred to a remote location for work.
- The child now lives with his docile and submissive mother.
- Both parents feel helpless in managing their only son.
- The child’s behavior escalated after his father’s transfer, and his academic difficulties were initially overlooked.
- We have diagnosed this case as Oppositional Defiant Disorder with Learning Difficulty.
The patient’s behavioral changes began in early childhood. Several factors have contributed to his anger, as identified through life space analysis. Aggressive reactions toward his mother, combined with the absence of a caring parental figure, have impacted his emotional state. This reactive behavior initially manifested as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and later progressed to Conduct Disorders. Unfortunately, this behavior has hindered his ability to sustain attention during studies. Despite having good intelligence, his persistent vexation and rebelliousness have amplified his cruel tendencies. Overall, the evidences indicating a clear overview of the patient’s behavioral challenges and their impact on his emotional well-being and academic performance
Many a times, ‘Nature & Nurture’ though debatable, is still considered to be at the base of the behavioural expressions of all the types. ‘Nature’ is child is born with some quality, instinct and genetic inheritance that proposes the behaviour in particular way. And ‘nurturing’ is the environment in the home and through societal influence which help the individual to crystalise the qualities. In nurturing, some parenting styles are also responsible for the certain behaviour to reinforced.
As per the theory of evolution, certain changes on mind and body are evident. If the changes are in congruent with each other normalcy results but if not so then deviation in normal is considered as to be abnormal. Abnormal behaviour is inconsistent with the individual’s developmental life, cultural, and social norms he lives with. Whenever any disturbances cause threat to the individual, behaviour exhibits its repercussions and if these expressions are not in align with the expected adaption, then also abnormal behaviour is seen. This kind of a behaviour creates emotional distress, or interferes with daily functioning.
Biological and Environment plays important role in deciding normal and abnormal behaviour along with other factors such as lack of parental support and attention, parental conflicts, substance addiction in parents, socioeconomic status of family etc
Having all the knowledge of development and related changes can be studied , how we can handle these behavioural issues? How to derive characteristics from the common? How to formulate the problem in the individual? These questions remains unanswered !
Understanding the Behavioral Disorders: A Deeper Dive
- The Mask of Carefreeness
Behavioral disorders often present to physicians as if a child is carefree, seemingly unconcerned about anything, and seemingly resistant to intervention. However, the underlying story behind this behavior can be quite different and unexpected.
Defining behavior is a challenging task, as it is continually shaped by the evolving insights of psychologists, and this process will undoubtedly continue in the future.
“Behavior refers to the actions, gestures, or mannerisms exhibited by an individual in any given situation or environment—both physical and psychological. While physical activity can be directly observed, mental activity is often inferred and interpreted. Consequently, the behavior of two different individuals in a common situation may vary.
Common behavioral disorders in children encompass a range of troublesome expressions. These include:
- Temper Tantrums: These are resistant behaviors displayed by very young children when faced with contradiction or confrontation.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Characterized by excessive energy but a lack of focused attention.
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): Children with ODD tend to be argumentative and non-obedient.
- Conduct Disorder: Children with this disorder exhibit rebellious, violent, and socially unacceptable behavior.”
- The Unseen Story
Every child has a story—a narrative shaped by experiences, relationships, and circumstances. Behavioral disorders are no exception. Behind the facade of carefreeness lies a unique tale. Perhaps the child has faced adversity, loss, or emotional neglect. Maybe there are underlying neurodevelopmental differences or genetic predispositions. Our role as healthcare providers is to unravel these narratives, seeking clues that guide diagnosis and intervention.
“Numerous famous personalities have been diagnosed with various behavioral disorders during their childhood, yet they managed to achieve remarkable success in their careers. Notable figures such as Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Winston Churchill, Charles Darwin, and Louis Pasteur experienced learning disorders or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Similarly, Michael Phelps, the celebrated American Olympic swimmer, also faced challenges due to ADHD. However, these individuals transcended their disabilities by overcoming their limitations.
- The Challenge of Definition
Defining behavior is akin to chasing a moving target. Psychologists continually refine their understanding, adapting to new research and insights. What we consider “normal” behavior today may evolve tomorrow. Yet, this dynamic process is essential. It allows us to recognize patterns, identify deviations, and tailor interventions. As we navigate this ever-changing landscape, we must remain open to redefining our perspectives.
- The Collaborative Journey
Behavioral disorders demand a multidisciplinary approach. Physicians, psychologists, educators, and families must collaborate. Together, we decode behavior, recognizing it as a language—a child’s attempt to communicate needs, fears, and desires. By listening attentively, we bridge the gap between carefreeness and vulnerability.
- The Future Unfolds
As we peer into the future, we anticipate breakthroughs in understanding behavior. Advances in neuroscience, personalized medicine, and therapeutic modalities will shape our approach. But amidst the scientific progress, let us not forget the human element—the child behind the behavior. Each case is unique, deserving empathy, patience, and holistic care
Role of Homoeopathy and Homoepath in Behavioral Disorders:
Dr. Hahnemann, a pioneer in homeopathy, introduced the concept of individualization as early as the 17th century. When describing the essential knowledge that homeopathic physicians should possess, he emphasized understanding specific facts about each individual. These include:
- Physical Constitution: Recognizing the inherent physical traits with which a person is born.
- Moral and Intellectual Character: Considering the character and intellectual development up to the point when the individual presents with a problem.
- Occupation and Lifestyle: Assessing the person’s occupation, lifestyle, and habits, which influence precipitating, maintaining, and predisposing factors.
- Social and Domestic Relations: Understanding the type of support available to the individual and addressing any obstacles to recovery.
This comprehensive inquiry allows us to comprehend the ‘Man in his Environment’ and sheds light on how disease processes begin even in apparently healthy individuals.”
Dr. J. T. Kent emphasized the importance of understanding an individual’s true nature—their will, cognition, memory, and actions. These aspects drive their pursuit of the highest ideals, with a focus on benefiting others.
Dr. M. L. Dhawale built upon the models proposed by Hahnemann and Kent, creating a comprehensive framework. In this model, the interplay between mental and physical expressions is crucial in understanding health and disease. Outwardly, this manifests as a picture of internal distress.
Factors responsible for the genesis of behavioural disorders :
Numerous factors contribute to these expressions. Hereditary characteristics, early development, environmental influences, unresolved emotional conflicts, disease predisposition, and an individual’s susceptibility to external stimuli all play significant roles. The interplay between nature and nurture has long fascinated psychologists and researchers. Both nature ( genetics ) and nurture ( environment) contribute to behvioral expressions making this debate a fascinating exploration of human development.
“According to the theory of evolution, certain changes in the mind and body are evident. When these changes are congruent with each other, normalcy results. However, if they deviate from the expected norm, they are considered abnormal. Abnormal behavior is inconsistent with an individual’s developmental life, cultural context, and social norms. When disturbances threaten an individual, their behavior reflects the repercussions. If these expressions do not align with expected adaptation, abnormal behavior may manifest. Such behavior can create emotional distress and interfere with daily functioning. Biological and environmental factors, along with other elements like lack of parental support, parental conflicts, substance addiction in parents, and socioeconomic status, play crucial roles in determining what is considered normal or abnormal behavior.”
Remember that each child is unique, and tailored interventions are necessary. By understanding their emotions, providing a supportive environment, and seeking professional help when needed, we can assist children in navigating behavioral challenges effectively.
Handling behavioral issues in children involves several strategies. Let’s explore some effective approaches:
- Establishing Rapport: Building a positive and comfortable relationship with the child is crucial. A good rapport allows the child to express their feelings and stressors openly.
- Play Therapy and Role Play: These techniques help children identify and communicate their issues through play. It provides a safe space for them to express emotions and work through challenges.
- Identifying Underlying Stressors: As you mentioned, understanding the reasons behind the child’s behavior is essential. In this case, the child’s stress due to academic comparisons played a significant role.
- Parent-Child Communication: Efforts to communicate with the child are vital. In your example, recognizing the impact of academic comparisons on the child’s stress level was crucial.
- Self-Image and Self-Esteem Development: Children often develop behavior patterns based on their self-image and self-esteem. Successes in various areas of life contribute to their overall well-being.
- Holistic Approach: Addressing emotional and behavioral changes requires a holistic approach. It involves not only the child but also their family. Strain on parents can result from these issues, so seeking treatment and support is essential.
How Homoeopath can prepare the management plan :
After the diagnosis of the problem, Homeopathic physician should be looking for the evidences and their interplay among genetic, biological, and psychosocial factors those have influences on behavioral and temperamental aspects of an individual and resulted in to the clinical disorder. Identification of the characteristics from the common expressions is the most challenging and should follow the philosophical basis to the disease.
Constitutional remedy along with the some strict behavioural measures gave good outcome to the treatment.
