Externalizing is a psychological term that describes psychiatric disorders where people have trouble controlling their emotions and behaviors.
This article will cover mental health disorders with externalizing and give examples of externalizing behaviors.
Pyromania (Fire-Setting)
This externalizing disorder is characterized by deliberate fire-setting.
Kleptomania (Stealing)
This externalizing disorder involves having a compulsion to steal.
The criteria for diagnosingkleptomaniainclude:
In this disorder, thefts are not committed to express anger or vengeance.
The thefts also are not responses todelusionsorhallucinations.
Intermittent Explosive Disorder
This externalizing disorder is characterized by sudden episodes of intense anger.
What Causes Externalizing?
Externalizing disorders are not just because of one thing.
For children, caregivers and school support may also be involved in treatment planning.
A combination of therapy and medication may be needed to help people with externalizing disorders.
Summary
Externalizing behavior means a person is having trouble controlling their emotions and behaviors.
Externalizing behaviors are linked to specific mental health conditions like antisocial personality disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.
Therapy and sometimes medication may help people with externalizing disorders control their behaviors more effectively.
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