Emotion Dysregulation and Outbursts in Children and Adolescents: Part I, An Issue of ChildAnd Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America

This issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, guest edited by Drs. Gabrielle A. Carlson and Manpreet Kaur Singh, is Part I of a two-part issue covering Emotion Dysregulation in Children. It discusses topics such as aggression, irritability, mood dysregulation, measurement, phenomenology, autism spectrum disorder, suicide, trauma-informed approach, Tourette Disorder, ADHD, and major mental illness.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2021
Publisher: Elsevier - Health Sciences Division

This issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, guest edited by Drs. Gabrielle A. Carlson and Manpreet Kaur Singh, is Part I of a two-part issue covering Emotion Dysregulation in Children. This issue is one of four selected each year by our series Consulting Editor, Dr. Todd Peters. Topics discussed in this issue include but are not limited to:

Aggression, irritability, and mood dysregulation; Measurement of Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents; The phenomenology of outbursts; Understanding, Assessing, and Intervening with Emotion Dysregulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder; Dysregulation and Suicide in Children and Adolescents; Aggression and Dysregulation: A Trauma Informed Approach; Anger outbursts and aggressive symptoms in Tourette Disorder; ADHD and the Dysregulation of Emotion Generation and Emotional Expression; Dysregulation in major mental illness; and Dysregulation, Catastrophic Reactions, and Anxiety Disorders, among others.

Understanding Emotion Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents is a critical topic that requires attention and intervention. Emotion dysregulation is a common problem among children and adolescents, and it can have significant impacts on their social, emotional, and academic development. In this issue, we will explore various aspects of emotion dysregulation, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment.

One of the key contributors to emotion dysregulation is trauma. Trauma can have a profound impact on a child's developing brain, and it can lead to difficulties in regulating emotions. Children who have experienced trauma may struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. They may also exhibit aggressive behavior and difficulty controlling their emotions.

Another factor that can contribute to emotion dysregulation is genetics. Some children may be born with a genetic predisposition to emotional dysregulation. This can be due to a variety of factors, including genetic mutations or environmental factors. Children with genetic predispositions may struggle with regulating their emotions and may be more prone to experiencing emotional outbursts.

Environmental factors can also play a role in emotion dysregulation. Children who grow up in environments that are stressful or abusive may struggle with regulating their emotions. They may also experience trauma or other negative experiences that can impact their emotional development.

Symptoms of emotion dysregulation in children and adolescents can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the problem. Some common symptoms include:

Aggression: Children and adolescents who struggle with emotion dysregulation may exhibit aggressive behavior, including hitting, kicking, and biting.

Irritability: Children and adolescents who struggle with emotion dysregulation may become easily agitated and frustrated. They may have difficulty controlling their emotions and may lash out at others.

Mood dysregulation: Children and adolescents who struggle with emotion dysregulation may experience frequent mood swings, including sudden changes in mood from happy to sad or angry to calm.

Anxiety: Children and adolescents who struggle with emotion dysregulation may experience anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder.

Depression: Children and adolescents who struggle with emotion dysregulation may experience depression, including major depressive disorder and dysthymia.

Difficulty controlling emotions: Children and adolescents who struggle with emotion dysregulation may have difficulty controlling their emotions, including regulating their anger, sadness, and fear.

Intervening with Emotion Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents is essential to promoting healthy emotional development and reducing the risk of mental health issues. There are several strategies that can be used to intervene with emotion dysregulation, including:

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), can be effective in treating emotion dysregulation in children and adolescents. These therapies can help children and adolescents learn to identify and regulate their emotions, develop coping skills, and address any underlying trauma or mental health issues.

Medication: In some cases, medication may be used to treat emotion dysregulation in children and adolescents. Medication can be used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that may be contributing to the problem.

Supportive environments: Creating supportive environments for children and adolescents can help promote healthy emotional development. This can include providing a safe and secure home environment, promoting positive relationships with family and friends, and providing access to mental health services.

Parental involvement: Parental involvement is essential in intervening with emotion dysregulation in children and adolescents. Parents can help their children develop healthy coping skills, provide support and guidance, and address any underlying issues that may be contributing to the problem.

Conclusion: Emotion dysregulation in children and adolescents is a common problem that can have significant impacts on their social, emotional, and academic development. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of emotion dysregulation is essential to promoting healthy emotional development and reducing the risk of mental health issues. By intervening with emotion dysregulation in children and adolescents, we can help them develop the skills they need to manage their emotions and live fulfilling lives.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323762519