Opposition VS Oppositional disorder
I think my child probably has an oppositional disorder. Is there a difference between an oppositional child and a child with an oppositional disorder?
It is important to understand that all behaviors can be placed on a spectrum. On one side of the spectrum, there is the child who opposes in a healthy way from time to time. This opposition is useful for distinguishing themselves from the adult and for forming their own identity. At the other end of the spectrum, we find the psychiatric term oppositional disorder. The child with this diagnosis systematically opposes the vast majority of actors in their life and in most contexts. Thus, the intensity and frequency of oppositional behaviors in the child with the disorder will be light years ahead of the healthy opposition of the vast majority of children. It should be noted that the prevalence of oppositional disorder according to various studies is between 2% and 16% of the population. It is therefore relatively uncommon to encounter children with a real oppositional disorder. To learn more about Oppositional Disorder and how our services can help you, please see the links below:
ADHD VS Medication
My 11 year old boy has a lot of energy and can't sit still. It is difficult for him to concentrate in class and he disturbs his friends in class when he has finished his work. My entourage and the staff at his school suggest that I investigate ADHD in order to obtain medication for him. Should I go ahead?
It is advisable to first talk to your family doctor and ask for guidance. Then, before starting medication, it is advisable to investigate the areas of the child's life such as his diet, sleep habits, exposure to screens, etc., in order to try to make changes that could reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It should be noted that a child or an adult can present one or a series of symptoms without necessarily having the pathology. Thus, a child can present several manifestations related to ADHD without having it. To learn more about ADHD and how our services can help you, please see the links below:
Sleep problem VS Melatonin
My 5 year old has sleep problems (naps, frequent night wakings, difficult bedtimes), should I try a natural supplement like melatonin to help him?
It is important to understand that melatonin does not act as a sleeping aid. Melatonin is naturally secreted by the pineal gland as night begins to fall. This hormone tells the entire body that it is now time to reduce our activity level. It is important to keep in mind that giving melatonin to your child is not trivial. The list of adverse effects is long and Health Canada has several caveats regarding the use in children and adolescents. Starting your child on melatonin should never be taken lightly. Before considering an option such as melatonin, it is important to carefully examine the child's pre-bedtime activities, lifestyle, diet, schedule and needs. There are several other less harmful alternatives.
*https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/medicaments-produits-sante/medeffet-canada/examens-innocuite/resume-examen-innocuite-melatonine-acetyl-methoxytryptamine-examen-innocuite-melatonine-enfants-adolescents.html
Difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress is a normal and vital reaction of the body when subjected to a stressful environment. Stress should subside shortly after the "danger" has passed. When it doesn't, that's when it becomes a challenge. Anxiety, on the other hand, refers to the act of anticipating and overly distorting the difficulties ahead. The person experiencing anxiety may even create or imagine threats and difficulties when there is no reason for them to exist. Thus, if after the event in question, the symptoms do not disappear within a normal time period, we are talking about anxiety and not stress. To learn more about tips and interventions for anxiety or to find out how our services can help you, consult the links below: