Emotional Disturbance

Definition

Many terms are used to describe emotional, behavioral or mental disorders. Currently, students with such disorders are categorized as having an emotional disturbance, which is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as follows:

"...a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child's educational performance--

(A) An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors.

(B) An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers.

(C) Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances.

(D) A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression.

(E) A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems." [Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Section 300.7(c)(4)(i)]

As defined by the IDEA, emotional disturbance includes schizophrenia but does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they have an emotional disturbance. [Code of Federal Regulation, Title 34, Section 300.7(c)(4)(ii)]

Incidence

In the 2000-2001 school year, 473,663 children and youth with an emotional disturbance were provided special education and related services in the public schools (Twenty-fourth Annual Report to Congress, U.S. Department of Education, 2002).

Characteristics

The causes of emotional disturbance have not been adequately determined. Although various factors such as heredity, brain disorder, diet, stress, and family functioning have been suggested as possible causes, research has not shown any of these factors to be the direct cause of behavior or emotional problems. Some of the characteristics and behaviors seen in children who have emotional disturbances include:

• Hyperactivity (short attention span, impulsiveness);

• Aggression/self-injurious behavior (acting out, fighting);

• Withdrawal (failure to initiate interaction with others; retreat from exchanges of social interaction, excessive fear or anxiety);

• Immaturity (inappropriate crying, temper tantrums, poor coping skills); and

• Learning difficulties (academically performing below grade level).

Children with the most serious emotional disturbances may exhibit distorted thinking, excessive anxiety, bizarre motor acts, and abnormal mood swings. Some are identified as children who have a severe psychosis or schizophrenia.

Many children who do not have emotional disturbances may display some of these same behaviors at various times during their development. However, when children have an emotional disturbance, these behaviors continue over long periods of time. Their behavior thus signals that they are not coping with their environment or peers.

Educational Implications

The educational programs for children with an emotional disturbance need to include attention to providing emotional and behavioral support as well as helping them to master academics, develop social skills, and increase self-awareness, self-control, and self-esteem. A large body of research exists regarding methods of providing students with positive behavioral support (PBS) in the school environment, so that problem behaviors are minimized and positive, appropriate behaviors are fostered. (See the resource list at the end of this publication for more information on PBS.) It is also important to know that, within the school setting:

• For a child whose behavior impedes learning (including the learning of others), the team developing the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) needs to consider, if appropriate, strategies to address that behavior, including positive behavioral interventions, strategies, and supports.  

• Students eligible for special education services under the category of emotional disturbance may have IEPs that include psychological or counseling services. These are important related services which are available under law and are to be provided by a qualified social worker, psychologist, guidance counselor, or other qualified personnel.

• Career education (both vocational and academic) is also a major part of secondary education and should be a part of the transition plan included in every adolescent’s IEP.

There is growing recognition that families, as well as their children, need support, respite care, intensive case management, and a collaborative, multi-agency approach to services. Many communities are working toward providing these wrap-around services. There are a growing number of agencies and organizations actively involved in establishing support services in the community. 

Other Considerations

Families of children with emotional disturbances may need help in understanding their children's condition and in learning how to work effectively with them. Help is available from psychiatrists, psychologists or other mental health professionals in public or private mental health settings. Children should be provided services based on their individual needs, and all persons who are involved with these children should be aware of the care they are receiving. It is important to coordinate all services between home, school, and therapeutic community with open communication.

Resources

Greene, R.W. (2001). The explosive child: A new approach for understanding and parenting easily frustrated chronically inflexible children. New York: Harper Collins. (Telephone: 212.207.7000. Web: www.harpercollins.com/hc/home.asp)

Jordan, D. (2001). A guidebook for parents of children with emotional or behavior disorders (3rd ed.). Minneapolis, MN: PACER. (Telephone: 888.248.0822. Web: www.pacer.org.)

Koplewicz, H.S. (1997). It’s nobody's fault: New hope and help for difficult children. New York: Three Rivers Press. (To find a local or online bookseller, go to: www.randomhouse.com/reader_resources/ordering.html)

Miller, J.A. (1999). The childhood depression sourcebook. New York: McGraw-Hill. (Telephone: 877.833.5524. Web: http://books.mcgraw-hill.com)

Papolos, D., & Papolos, J. (2002). The bipolar child. New York: Broadway. (To find a local or online bookseller, go to: www.randomhouse.com/reader_resources/ordering.html)

Wilen, T.E. (1998). Straight talk about psychiatric medications for kids. New York: Guilford. (Telephone: 800.365.7006. Web: www.guilford.com)

Organizations

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Public Information Office
3615 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20016-3007
202.966.7300
Web: www.aacap.org

Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
5262 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-5262
541.346.2505
E-mail: pbis@oregon.uregon.edu
Web: www.pbis.org

Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health
1101 King Street, Suite 420
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.684.7710
E-mail: ffcmh@ffcmh.org
Web: www.ffcmh.org

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
Colonial Place Three
2107 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22203-3754
703.524.7600; 703.516.7227 (TTY)
800.950.6264
Web: www.nami.org

National Mental Health Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
703.684.7722
800.969.6642
800.433.5959 (TTY)
Web: www.nmha.org

National Mental Health Information Center
P.O. Box 42557
Washington, DC 20015
800.789.2647
866.889.2647 (TTY)
Web: www.mentalhealth.org

NICHCY Fact Sheet 5 (FS5)
January 2004
Approx. 5 pages when printed.
PDF version