An Introduction to Serious Emotional Disturbances in Children

California-based psychologist and social worker Miriam Galindo, PsyD, has been working in the mental health field for more than 25 years. During this time, Dr. Miriam Galindo has interacted with children and adults with a variety of mental health issues, including serious emotional disturbances in school-aged kids.

From birth to 18 years old, children may be diagnosed with a serious emotional disturbance (SED) if they display several criteria. First, the child must have a serious and diagnosable disorder listed in the DSM. This may include affective disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and any other disruptive condition.

Moreover, children with SED must demonstrate severe impairment in at least two of the following areas: thinking, feeling, family relationships, substance use, role performance, interpersonal relationships, self care, caregiver resources, and socio-legal. Individuals with an extreme impairment in one of these areas may also be diagnosed with a serious emotional disturbance, as are kids with moderate impairment in at least four of these areas. Each of these areas addresses behaviors that people need for their day-to-day functioning.

Researchers don’t know what causes children to develop emotional disturbances, but there are several factors associated with the condition. Most children with emotional disturbances display hyperactivity and a penchant for self-injurious behavior. They may also cry at inappropriate times and have poor coping skills. These signs often continue for long periods of time, but they can be managed with medication.