Wera Rodsawang / Getty Images
What Are Neurobehavioral Disorders?
Significant behavioral changes in the people who develop them characterize these disorders.
In some instances, these disorders overlap.
Wera Rodsawang / Getty Images
Neurobehavioral disorders affect ones behavior, emotions, and learning processes.
This group of disorders is sometimes referred to as neurodevelopmental disorders, and both terms could be used interchangeably.
Additionally, theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)outlines the criteria for each disorder.
To be diagnosed with a neurobehavioral disorder, you must first consult with a neurologist or neuropsychiatrist.
Theyll take a detailed look into your medical history and what symptoms you’ve been displaying.
Most neurobehavioral disorders are characterized by symptoms that affect a persons behavior, thinking, and functioning.
A 2016 study shows a clear link between alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the development of neurobehavioral disorders.
Types of Neurobehavioral Disorders
There are several types of neurobehavioral disorders in the world today.
A great deal of research has been and is still being conducted to gain better insight into these disorders.
Some of the most common, as of today, are discussed below.
ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders across the world.
As of 2020, 1 in 54 children in the United States has been diagnosed with autism.
ASD affects each individual with the conditionin different ways.
Obsessions are typically intrusive thoughts or urges.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that people with OCD do to relieve distress.
Boys are more likely to develop OCD in childhood than girls.
Girls tend to develop OCD in adolescence or adulthood.
Its not clear what causes OCD, as with many other neurobehavioral disorders.
These are called tics.
While there is currently no cure for the condition, the proper treatment can make it manageable.
Tourettes syndrome might sometimes co-occur with other neurobehavioral disorders like OCD and ADHD.
Treatment for Neurobehavioral Disorders
Treatment for neurobehavioral disorders is multi-faceted.
It typically depends on the particular condition being treated.
Also, treatment might not even be the same for two people who have the same neurobehavioral disorder.
However, treatment is generally made up of a combination of medication, therapy, and special education services.
Before starting treatment, a neurologist or neuropsychologist will first assess the disorder and the severity of your symptoms.
A series of interviews and tests may be conducted to better understand how the neurobehavioral disorder affects you specifically.
Its crucial for the families of people with any of these conditions to support them.
Research shows that family intervention can be effective in relieving some symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Springer US; 2010:177-241.
Americas Children and the Environment.Neurodevelopmental disorders.
October 2015
Americas Children and the Environment.Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
October 2015
Hagan JF, Balachova T, Bertrand J, et al.Neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure.Pediatrics.
2016;138(4).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.
National Institute of Mental Health.Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Vogel L.Growing consensus on link between strep and obsessivecompulsive disorder.CMAJ.
2018;190(3):E86-E87.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet.
April 2021
Dykens EM.Family adjustment and interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders.Current Opinion in Psychiatry.2015;28(2):121-126.