Rebecca Roberts

EMOTIONAL
DISTURBANCES

Rights of the Students

Free and Appropriate Public Education

(FAPE)

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

What is An Emotional
Disturbance?

IDEA defines Emotional Disturbance as

conditions that exhibit one of the following
characteristics over an extended period of time:
An inability to learn that cannot be explained by other

factors
An inability to build interpersonal relationships
Inappropriate behavior/feelings under normal
conditions
A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or
depression
A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears
associated with personal or school problems
("Emotional Disturbance," 2012)

Categories

Conduct Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Eating Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCD)
Psychotic Disorder

("Emotional Disturbances," (2012)

Conduct Disorders

Defined as a disorder with longstanding

patterns of violation of rules and
antisocial behavior
Symptoms include:
Aggression
Frequent Lying
Running away overnight
Destruction of property

(Searight et.al, 2001)

Bipolar Disorders

A disorder marked by alternating periods

of elation and depression
Symptoms include:
During Elation

During Depression

Trouble sleeping

Unusual sleep patterns

Has a lot of energy

Little to no energy

Talks fast and about many

things

Feelings of hopelessness,
emptiness, or sadness

Irritable, agitated

Feels unable to enjoy things

Eating Disorders

A disorder characterized by abnormal

eating habits related to body image
Symptoms may include:
Binge eating
Purging
Eating small amounts of food
Abnormal weight
Low self-esteem

Anxiety Disorders

A disorder characterized by extreme

feelings of fear, worry, or stress during
normal situations
Symptoms may include:
Cold sweats
Hyperventilation
Inability to concentrate or perform simple

tasks
Feelings of panic

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

A disorder characterized by unwanted

thoughts (obsessions) and
uncontrollable actions (compulsions)
Symptoms may include:
Repetitive actions
Uneasiness/anxiety
Agitation

Psychotic Disorders

Disorders characterized by abnormal

perception and loss of touch with reality
Symptoms include:
Hallucinations
Delusions
False beliefs

"The Different Types of Psychosis," (2012)

How Teachers Can Help

Learn more about the specific disorder

your student has
Learn about his or her strengths
Set clear expectations for the entire class
Get involved with the childs IEP team
Keep in contact with the parents
Comply with and support any
accommodations needed
Remember: they are still a kid!
Kupper, (2014)