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Weakened emotional-volitional sphere treatment methods. Disorders of the emotional-volitional sphere

Of course, all loving parents care about the health of their children. However, often mothers and fathers pay attention exclusively to the physical development of the child, for some reason not paying due care to the emotional state of the baby. But emotions play a significant role in a person’s life. Emotions appear from the first days of a baby’s life; with their help, the child communicates with his parents, making it clear that he is upset, in pain, or feels good.

As the child develops, his emotions also undergo changes and it is important to prevent emotional disturbances in children during this period. The baby learns not only to speak, walk or run, but also to feel. From the simple emotions that he experiences in infancy, he moves on to a more complex sensory perception, and begins to get acquainted with the entire emotional palette.

As a child gets older, he not only tells his parents that he is feeling uncomfortable because he is hungry or has a stomach ache, but he also begins to show more complex emotions.

Like an adult, a baby learns to be happy, delighted, sad, surprised or angry. True, the main difference between a five-year-old child and a one-year-old baby is not only that he knows how to feel “widely,” but also that he knows how to control his emotions.

In modern society, experts are increasingly trying to draw attention to such a serious problem as emotional disorders in children.

Causes and consequences of emotional disorders in children

According to medical statistics, in 50% of cases, emotional disturbances in children who have completed primary school are expressed in the development of nervous diseases. This is a very alarming result, especially considering the fact that we are talking about nervous diseases of children who have not yet reached 16 years of age.

Child psychologists believe that the main causes of emotional disorders in children can be:

  • illnesses and stress suffered in childhood;
  • features of the child’s physical and psycho-emotional development, including delays, impairments or retardation in intellectual development;
  • microclimate in the family, as well as the characteristics of upbringing;
  • social and living conditions of the child, his close environment.

Emotional disorders in children can also be caused by other factors. For example, psychological trauma can be caused to a child’s body by the films he watches or the computer games he plays. Emotional disorders in children most often appear during critical periods of development.

A striking example of such mentally unstable behavior is the so-called “adolescent age”. Young people always rebel, but this is especially noticeable in adolescence, when the child begins to determine his desires and evaluate his own capabilities.

The most common manifestations of emotional disorders in children are:

  • general anxiety of the child, as well as the presence of fears and excessive timidity;
  • emotional exhaustion;
  • aggression, sometimes without cause;
  • problems communicating and interacting with other children or adults;
  • depression.

Correction of emotional-volitional disorders in children

Before talking about methods for correcting emotional-volitional disorders in children, it is worth defining this problem. The emotional-volitional sphere, or in other words, the psycho-emotional state of a person represents the dynamics of the development of his feelings, as well as emotions. Therefore, emotional-volitional disorders in children are nothing more than mental state disorders.

When the emotional sphere is disturbed, children develop a feeling of severe anxiety or apathy, the mood becomes gloomy and the child withdraws into himself, begins to show aggression or become depressed. In order to improve the condition of a child suffering from emotional disturbances, you should contact a specialized specialist. He, in turn, will begin individual or group work with the child, and will also tell parents how to behave correctly if the child is mentally unstable.

Psycho-emotional disorders can be successfully treated if detected early and with a competent approach to their correction.

Some tips for parents who are faced with emotional disturbances in children:

  • When communicating with an injured child, try to remain absolutely calm and show your friendly attitude;
  • communicate with your child more often, question him, empathize, in general, be interested in what he feels;
  • play or do physical labor together, draw, pay more attention to the child;
  • be sure to monitor your children’s daily routine;
  • try not to expose your child to stress and unnecessary worries;
  • watch what your child watches; violence on the TV screen or in a computer game will only worsen emotional disturbances;
  • support the child, help build self-confidence.

A child psychologist will help eliminate emotional disturbances in children, who, using special educational games, will explain to the child how to properly respond to stressful situations and control their feelings. However, no one can replace the participation of parents in the treatment of psycho-emotional disorders of children, since children trust their parents and, of course, follow their example.

Therefore, if in the future you want to avoid the development of severe mental illness in your child, then immediately begin to take an active part in his treatment.

The decisive factor in the correction of psycho-emotional disorders is attention from adults. Learn to pay more attention to your child, help him understand his feelings and emotions. You should not demand that your child stop worrying, but you should support him in any worries and help him understand difficult emotions. Patience, care and boundless parental love will help maintain the mental health of your children.

The birth of a child in a family with certain deviations from normal development is always stressful for both parents. It is very good when relatives, friends or psychological rehabilitation specialists help them cope with the problem.

The first signs of a violation of the emotional-volitional sphere begin to appear during a period of active communication in a group of peers, which is why you should not ignore any deviations in the child’s behavior. These disorders are quite rarely noted as an independent disease; they are often harbingers or components of quite serious mental disorders:

Schizophrenia;

Depression;

Manic syndrome;

Psychopathy;

Autism.

A decrease in intellectual activity in children manifests itself in the form of insufficient regulation of emotions, inappropriate behavior, decreased morality, and a low level of emotional coloring of speech. Mental retardation in such patients can be veiled by inappropriate behavior in its extreme expression - apathy, irritability, euphoria, etc.

Classification of disorders in the emotional-volitional sphere

Among the disorders in the sphere of emotional-volitional expression of personality in adults are:

1. Hypobulia - decreased will. Patients with this disorder have absolutely no need to communicate with people around them, they are irritated by the presence of strangers nearby, are unable and unwilling to carry on a conversation, and can spend hours in an empty dark room.

2. Hyperbulia is an increased desire in all spheres of human life; more often this disorder is expressed in increased appetite, the need for constant communication and attention.

3. Abulia - a sharp decrease in volitional drives. In schizophrenia, this disorder is included in a single symptom complex “apathetic-abulic”.

4. Compulsive attraction is an irresistible need for something or someone. This feeling is comparable to animal instinct and forces a person to commit acts that, in most cases, are criminally punishable.

5. Obsessive desire is the occurrence of obsessive desires that the patient cannot independently control. An unsatisfied desire leads to deep suffering for the patient; all his thoughts are filled only with ideas about its embodiment.

The main deviations in the emotional and volitional sphere in children are:

1. Emotional hyperexcitability.

2. Increased impressionability, fears.

3. Motor retardation or hyperactivity.

4. Apathy and indifference, indifferent attitude towards others, lack of compassion.

5. Aggressiveness.

6. Increased suggestibility, lack of independence.

Gentle correction of emotional-volitional disorders

Hippotherapy around the world has received a lot of positive feedback both in the rehabilitation of adults and in the rehabilitation of children. Communication with a horse brings great pleasure to children and their parents. This method of rehabilitation helps to unite the family, strengthen the emotional connection between generations, and build trusting relationships.

Thanks to adults, children and adolescents, the processes of excitation and inhibition in the cerebral cortex are normalized, motivation to achieve goals is enhanced, self-esteem and vitality increase.

With the help of horse riding, every rider can learn to control their emotions smoothly and without mental breakdown. During the training, the severity of fears gradually decreases, confidence appears that communication with the animal is necessary for both participants in the process, and the self-worth of introverted individuals increases.

A trained and understanding horse helps children and adults achieve their goals, acquire new skills and knowledge, and become more open to society. In addition, hippotherapy develops higher nervous activity: thinking, memory, concentration.

Constant tension of the muscles of the whole body and maximum composure during horse riding lessons improves balance, coordination of movements, and self-confidence even in those students who cannot make a single decision without the help of others.

Various types of hippotherapy help reduce anxiety and depressive mood, forget about negative experiences and increase morale. When achieving your goals, classes allow you to develop will and endurance and break down the internal barriers of your inadequacy.

Some students enjoy interacting with animals so much that they are happy to start equestrian sports at a school for the disabled. During training and competitions, the volitional sphere develops well. They become more assertive, purposeful, self-control and endurance improve.

Emotions are one of the most important mechanisms of mental activity. It is emotions that produce a sensually colored summary assessment of incoming information from within and without. In other words, we evaluate the external situation and our own internal state. Emotions should be assessed along two axes: strong-weak and negative-positive.

Emotion is a feeling, an internally subjective experience that is inaccessible to direct observation. But even this deeply subjective form of manifestation can have disturbances called emotional-volitional disorders.

Emotional-volitional disorders

The peculiarity of these disorders is that they combine two psychological mechanisms: emotions and will.

Emotions have external expression: facial expressions, gestures, intonation, etc. By the external manifestation of emotions, doctors judge a person’s internal state. A long-term emotional state is characterized by the term “mood.” A person’s mood is quite flexible and depends on several factors:

  • external: luck, defeat, obstacles, conflicts, etc.;
  • internal: health, activity.

Will is a mechanism for regulating behavior that allows you to plan activities, satisfy needs, and overcome difficulties. The needs that contribute to adaptation are usually called “drive”. Attraction is a special state of human need in certain conditions. Conscious attractions are usually called desires. A person always has several pressing and competing needs. If a person does not have the opportunity to fulfill his needs, then an unpleasant condition occurs called frustration.

Emotional disorders are an excessive manifestation of natural emotions:


Disorders of will and desires

In clinical practice, disorders of the will and desires are manifested by behavioral disorders:


Emotional-volitional disorders require treatment. Drug therapy combined with psychotherapy is often effective. For effective treatment, the choice of specialist plays a decisive role. Trust only real professionals.

Increased excitability or, conversely, passivity indicates a violation of the emotional-volitional sphere. Along with this, general hyperesthesia occurs, as well.

It is very difficult for babies to fall asleep during this period. They become restless at night and wake up frequently. A child can react violently to any stimuli, especially if he is in an unfamiliar environment.

Adults also largely depend on their mood, which can change for seemingly unknown reasons. Why does this happen and what is important to know about it?

Definition of the emotional-volitional sphere

For appropriate development in society, as well as normal life activity, the emotional-volitional sphere is important. A lot depends on her. And this applies not only to family relationships, but also to professional activities.

The process itself is very complex. Its origin is influenced by various factors. This can be either a person’s social conditions or his heredity. This area begins to develop at an early age and continues to develop until adolescence.

From birth, a person overcomes the following types of development:

  • somato-vegetative;
  • psychomotor;
  • affective;
  • dominance;
  • stabilization.

Emotions are different...

As well as their manifestations in life

For what reasons does the failure occur?

There are a number of reasons that can influence the development of this process and cause emotional and volitional disturbances. To the main factors should include:

  • lag in terms of intellectual development;
  • lack of emotional contact with family;
  • problems of a social and everyday nature.

Along with this, you can name any other reasons that can cause internal discomfort and a feeling of inferiority. At the same time, a child will be able to develop harmoniously and correctly only if he has a trusting relationship with his family.

Spectrum of disorders of will and emotions

Emotional volitional disorders include:

  • hyperbulia;
  • hypobulia;

With a general increase in will, hyperbulia develops, which can affect all major drives. This manifestation is considered characteristic of. So, for example, a person’s appetite will increase; if he is in a department, he will immediately eat the food that is brought to him.

Both will and drive decrease with hypobulia. In this case, the person does not need communication; he is burdened by strangers who are nearby. He feels better alone. Such patients prefer to immerse themselves in their own world of suffering. They do not want to take care of their relatives.

When a decrease in will occurs, this indicates abulia. Such a disorder is considered persistent, and together with apathy it is composed of an apathetic-abulic syndrome, which, as a rule, manifests itself during the final state of schizophrenia.

With obsessive drive, the patient has desires that he is able to control. But when he begins to renounce his desires, this gives rise to serious anxiety in him. He is haunted by thoughts of a need that has not been satisfied. For example, if a person has a fear of pollution, he will try not to wash his hands as often as he would like, but this will make him painfully think about his own need. And when no one is looking at him, he will wash them thoroughly.

Stronger feelings include compulsive attraction. It is so strong that it is compared to instincts. The need becomes pathological. Her position is dominant, so the internal struggle stops very quickly and the person immediately satisfies his desire. This may be a grossly antisocial act that will result in punishment.

Volitional disorders

Will is the mental activity of the individual, which is aimed at a specific goal or overcoming obstacles. Without this, a person will not be able to realize his intentions or solve life problems. Volitional disorders include hypobulia and abulia. In the first case, volitional activity will be weakened, and in the second, it will be completely absent.

If a person is faced with hyperbulia, which is combined with distractibility, then this may indicate or.

The desire for food and self-preservation are disrupted in the case of parabulia, that is, when a volitional act is perverted. The patient, refusing normal foods, begins to eat inedible foods. In some cases, pathological gluttony is observed. When the sense of self-preservation is impaired, the patient can cause serious injury to himself. This also includes sexual perversions, in particular masochism and exhibitionism.

Spectrum of volitional qualities

Emotional disorders

Emotions are different. They characterize people’s relationships to the world around them and to themselves. There are many emotional disorders, but some of them are considered an urgent reason to visit a specialist. Among them:

  • depressed, melancholy mood, of a recurring, protracted nature;
  • constant change of emotions, without serious reasons;
  • uncontrollable emotional states;
  • chronic;
  • stiffness, uncertainty, timidity;
  • high emotional sensitivity;
  • phobias.

Emotional disorders include the following pathological deviations:

When a child is overly aggressive or withdrawn

Violations of the emotional-volitional sphere, which are most pronounced in children:

  1. Aggressiveness. Almost every child can show aggression, but here it is worth paying attention to the degree of the reaction, its duration and the nature of the reasons.
  2. Emotional disinhibition. In this case, there is an overly violent reaction to everything. Such children, if they cry, do so loudly and defiantly.
  3. Anxiety. With such a violation, the child will be embarrassed to clearly express his emotions, he does not talk about his problems, and feels discomfort when attention is paid to him.

In addition, the disorder occurs with increased and decreased emotionality. In the first case, this concerns euphoria, depression, anxiety syndrome, dysphoria, and fears. When it is low, apathy develops.

Violation of the emotional-volitional sphere and behavioral disorder are observed in a hyperactive child who experiences motor restlessness, suffers from restlessness, and impulsivity. He can't concentrate.

Such failures can be quite dangerous, as they can lead to serious nervous diseases, which have recently become more common in children under 16 years of age. It is important to remember that psycho-emotional disruption can be corrected if it is detected at an early stage.

A modern view of correction

It is identified as one of the main methods of soft correction. It involves communication with horses. This procedure Suitable not only for children, but also for adults.

It can be used for the whole family, which will help unite it and improve trusting relationships. This treatment will allow you to say goodbye to a depressive mood, negative experiences, and reduce anxiety.

If we are talking about correcting disorders in a child, then a variety of psychological methods can be used for this. Among them it is worth highlighting:

  • play therapy, which involves the use of games (this method is considered especially effective for preschoolers);
  • body-oriented therapy, dance;
  • fairytale therapy;
  • , which is divided into two types: perception of finished material or independent drawing;
  • music therapy, in which music is used in any form.

It is better to try to prevent any disease or deviation. To prevent emotional and volitional disorders, you should listen to these simple tips:

  • if an adult or child is emotionally traumatized, then those nearby should be calm and show their goodwill;
  • people need to share their experiences and feelings as often as possible;
  • need to do physical labor or draw;
  • monitor your daily routine;
  • try to avoid unnecessary worry.

It is important to understand that a lot depends on those who are nearby. You don’t need to share your experiences with everyone around you, but you need to have someone who will help in a difficult situation, support and listen. In turn, parents must show patience, care and boundless love. This will preserve the baby’s mental health.

teenagers

Study questions.

    Typology of disorders in the development of the emotional-volitional sphere.

    Psychological and pedagogical characteristics of children and adolescents with disabilities

emotional-volitional sphere.

    Psychopathy in children and adolescents.

    Character accentuations as a factor contributing to the emergence of emotional-volitional disorders.

    Children with early-onset autism (EDA).

    The concept of disturbance of the emotional-volitional sphere in defectology defines neuropsychic disorders (mostly mild and moderate severity). *

The main types of disorders in the development of the emotional-volitional sphere in children and adolescents include reactive states (hyperactivity syndrome), conflict experiences, psychasthenia and psychopathy (psychopathic forms of behavior), early childhood autism.

As is known, a child’s personality is formed under the influence of hereditarily determined (conditioned) qualities and factors of the external (primarily social) environment. Since the development process largely depends on environmental factors, it is obvious that unfavorable environmental influences can cause temporary behavioral disorders, which, once established, can lead to abnormal (distorted) personality development.

Just as normal somatic development requires an appropriate amount of calories, proteins, minerals and vitamins, normal mental development requires the presence of certain emotional and psychological factors. These include, first of all, the love of neighbors, a sense of security (provided by the care of parents), the cultivation of correct self-esteem, and also, along with the development of independence in actions and behavior), adult guidance, which includes, in addition to love and care, a certain set of prohibitions. Only with the correct balance of attention and prohibitions are appropriate connections formed between the child’s “I” and the outside world, and the little person, while maintaining his individuality, develops into a personality who will definitely find his place in society.

The versatility of the emotional needs that ensure the development of a child already in itself indicates the possibility of a significant number of unfavorable factors in the external (social) environment, which can cause disturbances in the development of the emotional-volitional sphere and deviations in the behavior of children.

    Reactive states are defined in special psychology as neuropsychic disorders caused by unfavorable situations (developmental conditions) and not associated with organic damage to the central nervous system. The most striking manifestation of reactive states (RS) is hyperactivity syndrome, which appears against the background of a “prolonged” state of general mental excitability and psychomotor disinhibition. The causes of MS can be varied. Thus, circumstances traumatic for a child’s psyche include such a psychophysiological disorder as enuresis (bedwetting, which persists or often recurs after the 3rd year of life), often observed in somatically weakened and nervous children. Enuresis can occur after severe nervous shock, fright, or after a somatic illness that debilitates the body. The occurrence of enuresis also includes such reasons as conflict situations in the family, excessive strictness of parents, too deep sleep, etc. Reactive states with enuresis are aggravated by ridicule, punishment, and the unkind attitude of others towards the child.

A reactive state can be caused by the presence of certain physical and psychophysiological defects in a child (strabismus, deformities of the limbs, lameness, severe scoliosis, etc.), especially if the attitude of others is incorrect.

A common cause of psychogenic reactions in young children is a sudden strong irritation of a frightening nature (fire, attack by an angry dog, etc.). Increased susceptibility to mental trauma is observed in children with residual effects after suffering infections and injuries, in children who are excitable, weakened, and emotionally unstable. The most susceptible to mental trauma are children belonging to a weak type of higher nervous activity, and children who are easily excitable.

The main distinguishing feature of MS is inadequate (excessively pronounced) personal reactions to influences from the environment (primarily social) environment. Reactive states are characterized by the state psychological stress And discomfort. MS can manifest itself in the form of depression (sad, depressed state). In other cases, the main symptoms of MS are: psychomotor agitation, disinhibition, and inappropriate behavior and actions.

In severe cases, there may be a disorder of consciousness (blurred consciousness, disorientation in the environment), causeless fear, temporary “loss” of certain functions (deafness, mutism).

Despite the differences in manifestations, a common symptom that connects all cases of reactive states is a severe, depressing psycho-emotional state that causes overstrain of nervous processes and disruption of their mobility. This largely determines the increased tendency to affective reactions.

Mental development disorders may be associated with severe internal conflict experiences when in the child’s mind there are opposing attitudes towards close people or to a particular social situation that has great personal significance for the child. Conflict experiences (as a psychopathological disorder) are long-term, socially conditioned; they acquire dominant significance in the child’s mental life and have a sharply negative impact on his characterological characteristics and behavioral reactions. The causes of conflict experiences most often are: the unfavorable position of the child in the family (conflicts in the family, family breakdown, the appearance of a stepmother or stepfather, parental alcoholism, etc.). Conflict experiences can arise in children abandoned by their parents, adopted, and in other cases. Another reason for persistent conflict experiences may be the above-mentioned shortcomings of psychophysical development, in particular, stuttering.

Manifestations of severe conflict experiences are most often isolation, irritability, negativism (in many forms of its manifestation, including speech negativism), depressive states; in some cases, the consequence of conflict experiences is a delay in the child’s cognitive development.

Persistent conflict experiences are often accompanied by disturbances ( deviations) behavior. Quite often, the cause of behavioral disorders in this category of children is improper upbringing of the child (excessive care, excessive freedom or, on the contrary, lack of love, excessive severity and unreasonable demands, without taking into account his personal - intellectual and psychophysical capabilities, determined by the stage of age development). A particularly serious mistake in raising a child is the constant derogatory comparison of him with children who have better abilities and the desire to achieve great achievements from a child who does not have pronounced intellectual inclinations. A child whose dignity is humiliated and who is often punished may develop feelings of inferiority, reactions of fear, timidity, bitterness and hatred. Such children, who are constantly stressed, often experience enuresis, headaches, fatigue, etc. At an older age, such children may rebel against the dominant authority of adults, which is one of the reasons for antisocial behavior.

Conflict experiences can also be caused by traumatic situations in the school community. Of course, the occurrence and severity of conflict situations is influenced by the individual personal and psychological characteristics of children (state of the nervous system, personal aspirations, range of interests, impressionability, etc.), as well as the conditions of upbringing and development.

Also quite a complex neuropsychic disorder is psychasthenia– disturbance of mental and intellectual activity, caused by weakness and disruption of the dynamics of processes of higher nervous activity, a general weakening of neuropsychic and cognitive processes. The causes of psychasthenia can be severe violations of somatic health, violations of general constitutional development (due to dystrophy, metabolic disorders in the body, hormonal disorders, etc.). At the same time, factors of hereditary conditioning, dysfunction of the central nervous system of various origins, the presence of minimal brain dysfunction, etc. play a large role in the occurrence of psychasthenia.

The main manifestations of psychasthenia are: a decrease in general mental activity, slowness and rapid exhaustion of mental and intellectual activity, decreased performance, phenomena of mental retardation and inertia, increased fatigue under psychological stress. Psychoasthenic children are extremely slow to engage in academic work and get tired very quickly when performing tasks related to mental and mnemonic actions.

Children in this category are distinguished by such specific character traits as indecision, increased impressionability, a tendency to constant doubts, timidity, suspiciousness, and anxiety. Often, symptoms of psychasthenia also include depression and autistic manifestations. Psychopathic development according to psychasthenic type in childhood manifests itself in increased suspiciousness, obsessive fears, and anxiety. At an older age, obsessive doubts, fears, hypochondria, and increased suspiciousness are observed.

3.Psychopathy(from Greek - psyche- soul, pathos– disease) is defined in special psychology as pathological character, manifested in unbalanced behavior, poor adaptability to changing environmental conditions, inability to obey external demands, and increased reactivity. Psychopathy is a distorted version of personality formation; it is a disharmonious development of personality with (as a rule) sufficient preservation of intelligence. Research by domestic scientists (V.A. Gilyarovsky, V.R. Myasishchev, G.E. Sukhareva, V.V. Kovalev, etc.) showed the dialectical interaction of social and biological factors in the origin of psychopathy. Most psychopathy is caused by external pathological factors that acted in utero or in early childhood. The most common causes of psychopathy are: infections - general and brain, traumatic brain injuries - intrauterine, birth and acquired in the first years of life; toxic factors (for example, chronic gastrointestinal diseases), intrauterine development disorders due to alcohol intoxication, exposure to radiation, etc. Pathological heredity also plays a certain role in the formation of psychopathy.

However, for the development of psychopathy, along with the main ( predisposing) the cause that causes congenital or early acquired insufficiency of the nervous system, it is necessary to have another factor - the disadvantage of the social environment and the lack of corrective influences when raising a child.

Purposeful positive influence of the environment can, to a greater or lesser extent, correct the child’s existing deviations, while under unfavorable conditions of upbringing and development, even mild deviations in mental development can transform into a severe form of psychopathy (G.E. Sukhareva, 1954, etc.). In this regard, biological factors are considered as starting points,preconditions, which can cause psychopathic personality development; acquire a decisive role social factors, mainly conditions for child upbringing and development.

Psychopathy is very diverse in its manifestations, so the clinic distinguishes its various forms (organic psychopathy, epileptoid psychopathy, etc.). Common to all forms of psychopathy is a violation of the development of the emotional-volitional sphere, specific character anomalies. Psychopathic personality development is characterized by: weakness of will, impulsiveness of actions, rough affective reactions. Underdevelopment of the emotional-volitional sphere also manifests itself in a certain decrease in performance associated with the inability to concentrate and overcome difficulties encountered when performing tasks.

Violations of the emotional-volitional sphere are most clearly expressed when organic psychopathy, which is based on organic damage to the subcortical brain systems. Clinical manifestations of organic psychopathy are different. In some cases, the first manifestations of a mental disorder are detected at an early age. The anamnesis of these children indicates pronounced timidity, fear of sharp sounds, bright light, unfamiliar objects, and people. This is accompanied by intense and prolonged screaming and crying. In early and preschool age, psychomotor restlessness and increased sensory and motor excitability come to the fore. At primary school age, psychopathic behavior manifests itself in the form of uncontrollability, protest against the rules of social behavior, any regime, in the form of affective outbursts (pugnaciousness, running around, noisiness, and later - school truancy, a tendency to vagrancy, etc.).

In other cases of organic psychopathy, the following feature of the behavioral reactions of children attracts attention, sharply distinguishing them from their peers already at preschool age. Relatives and teachers note the extreme unevenness of their mood; Along with increased excitability and excessive mobility, these children and adolescents often experience a low, gloomy, irritable mood. Children of senior preschool and primary school age often complain of vague pain, refuse to eat, sleep poorly, and often quarrel and fight with peers. Increased irritability, negativism in various forms of its manifestation, hostile attitude towards others, aggressiveness towards them form pronounced psychopathological symptoms of organic psychopathy. These manifestations are especially pronounced at an older age, during puberty. They are often accompanied by a slow pace of intellectual activity, decreased memory, and increased fatigue. In some cases, organic psychopathy is combined with delayed psychomotor development of the child.

G.E. Sukhareva identifies two main groups of organic psychopathy: excitedsmoke(explosive) and brakeless.

At the first (excitable) type, unmotivated mood swings are observed in the form of dysphoria. In response to the slightest remarks, children and adolescents have violent reactions of protest, leaving home and school.

Organic psychopaths of the uninhibited type are characterized by elevated mood levels, euphoria, and uncriticality. All this is a favorable background for the formation of a pathology of desires and a tendency to vagrancy.

With a hereditary burden of epilepsy in children, personality traits characteristic of epileptoid psychopathy. This form of psychopathy is characterized by the fact that in children, with primary intact intelligence and the absence of typical signs of epilepsy (seizures, etc.), the following behavioral and character traits are noted: irritability, short temper, poor switchability from one type of activity to another, “getting stuck” on their experiences, aggressiveness, egocentrism. Along with this, thoroughness and perseverance in completing educational tasks are characteristic. These positive traits must be used as support in the process of correctional work.

With a hereditary burden of schizophrenia, children may develop schizoid personality traits. These children are characterized by: poverty of emotions (often underdevelopment of higher emotions: feelings of empathy, compassion, gratitude, etc.), lack of childlike spontaneity and cheerfulness, and little need to communicate with others. The core property of their personality is egocentrism and autistic manifestations. They are characterized by a peculiar asynchrony of mental development from early childhood. The development of speech outpaces the development of motor skills, and therefore children often have undeveloped self-care skills. In games, children prefer loneliness or communication with adults and older children. In a number of cases, the peculiarity of the motor sphere is noted - clumsiness, motor awkwardness, inability to perform practical activities. General emotional lethargy, which is detected in children from an early age, lack of need for communication (autistic manifestations), lack of interest in practical activities, and later - isolation, self-doubt, despite a fairly high level of intellectual development, create significant difficulties in education and teaching this category of children.

Hysterical psychopathic development is more common in childhood than other forms. It manifests itself in pronounced egocentrism, increased suggestibility, and demonstrative behavior. This variant of psychopathic development is based on mental immaturity. It manifests itself in a thirst for recognition, in the inability of a child and adolescent to exert volition, which is the essence of mental disharmony.

Specific features hysterical psychopathy manifest themselves in pronounced egocentrism, in the constant demand for increased attention to oneself, in the desire to achieve what they want by any means. In social communication there is a tendency to conflicts and lies. When faced with life's difficulties, hysterical reactions occur. Children are very capricious, love to play a commanding role in a group of peers and become aggressive if they fail to do so. Extreme instability (lability) of mood is noted.

Psychopathic development according to unstable type can be observed in children with psychophysical infantilism. They are distinguished by immaturity of interests, superficiality, instability of attachments, and impulsiveness. Such children have difficulties in long-term, purposeful activity; they are characterized by irresponsibility, instability of moral principles, and socially negative forms of behavior. This variant of psychopathic development can be of either constitutional or organic origin.

In practical special psychology, a certain relationship has been established between incorrect approaches to raising children, pedagogical errors and the formation of psychopathic character traits. Thus, the characterological traits of excitable psychopaths often arise during so-called “hypocustody” or direct neglect. The formation of “inhibited psychopaths” is favored by the callousness or even cruelty of others, when the child does not see affection and is subjected to humiliation and insults (the social phenomenon of “Cinderella”). Hysterical personality traits are most often formed in conditions of “overprotection”, in an atmosphere of constant adoration and admiration, when the child’s loved ones fulfill any of his desires and whims (the “family idol” phenomenon).

4. B adolescence An intensive transformation of the adolescent’s psyche occurs. Significant changes are observed in the formation of intellectual activity, which is manifested in the desire for knowledge, the formation of abstract thinking, and a creative approach to solving problems. Volitional processes are intensively formed. A teenager is characterized by persistence, perseverance in achieving a goal, and the ability to engage in purposeful volitional activity. Consciousness is actively being formed. This age is characterized by disharmony of mental development, which often manifests itself in accentuatedness character. According to A.E. Lichko, the accentuation (sharpening) of individual character traits in students of different types of schools varies from 32 to 68% of the total student population (A.E. Lichko, 1983).

Character accentuations – These are extreme variants of a normal nature, but at the same time they can be a predisposing factor for the development of neuroses, neurotic, pathocharacterological and psychopathic disorders.

Numerous studies by psychologists have shown that the degree of disharmony in adolescents is different, and the accentuation of character itself has different qualitative features and is manifested differently in the behavioral characteristics of adolescents. The main options for character accentuations include the following.

Dysthymic personality type. Features of this type of accentuation are periodic fluctuations in mood and vitality in adolescents. During periods of high mood, adolescents of this type are sociable and active. During a period of decline in mood, they are laconic, pessimistic, begin to be burdened by noisy society, become sad, lose their appetite, and suffer from insomnia.

Teenagers of this type of accentuation feel conformed among a small circle of close people who understand them and provide support. It is important for them to have long-term, stable attachments and hobbies.

Emotive personality type. Adolescents of this type are characterized by variability of moods, depth of experiences, and increased sensitivity. Emotive teenagers have developed intuition and are sensitive to the assessments of others. They feel conformed to their family, understanding and caring adults, and constantly strive for confidential communication with adults and peers who are significant to them.

Anxious type The main feature of this type of accentuation is anxious suspiciousness, constant fear for oneself and one’s loved ones. In childhood, adolescents of the anxious type often have a symbiotic relationship with their mother or other relatives. Teenagers experience a strong fear of new people (teachers, neighbors, etc.). They need warm, caring relationships. A teenager’s confidence that he will be supported and helped in an unexpected, non-standard situation contributes to the development of initiative and activity.

Introverted type. Children and adolescents of this type tend to be emotionally withdrawn and withdrawn. They, as a rule, lack the desire to establish close, friendly relationships with others. They prefer individual activities. They have weak expressiveness, a desire for solitude filled with reading books, fantasizing, and various hobbies. These children need warm, caring relationships from loved ones. Their psychological comfort increases when adults accept and support their most unexpected hobbies.

Excitable type. With this type of character accentuation in adolescents, there is an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory processes. Adolescents of the excitable type, as a rule, are in a state of dysphoria, which manifests itself in depression with the threat of aggressiveness towards the entire outside world. In this state, an excitable teenager is suspicious, inhibited, rigid, prone to emotional irascibility, impulsiveness, and unmotivated cruelty towards loved ones. Excitable teenagers need warm emotional relationships with others.

Demonstrative type. Teenagers of this type are distinguished by pronounced egocentrism, a constant desire to be the center of attention, and a desire to “make an impression.” They are characterized by sociability, high intuition, and the ability to adapt. Under favorable conditions, when a “demonstrative” teenager finds himself in the center of attention and accepted by others, he adapts well and is capable of productive, creative activity. In the absence of such conditions, there is a disharmony of personal properties of the hysterical type - attracting special attention to oneself through demonstrative behavior, and a tendency to lie and fantasize as a defense mechanism.

Pedantic type. As E.I. emphasizes Leonhard, pedantry as an accentuated character trait is manifested in the behavior of the individual. The behavior of a pedantic personality does not go beyond the bounds of reason, and in these cases the advantages associated with the tendency towards thoroughness, clarity, and completeness are often felt. The main features of this type of character accentuation in adolescence are indecision and a tendency to reasoning. Such teenagers are very careful, conscientious, rational, and responsible. However, some adolescents with increased anxiety experience indecisiveness in decision-making situations. Their behavior is characterized by some rigidity and emotional restraint. Such teenagers are characterized by increased fixation on their health.

Unstable type. The main characteristic of this type is the pronounced weakness of the volitional components of the personality. Lack of will manifests itself primarily in the educational or work activities of a teenager. However, in the process of entertainment, such teenagers can be highly active. Unstable adolescents also have increased suggestibility, and therefore their social behavior largely depends on their environment. Increased suggestibility and impulsiveness against the background of immaturity of higher forms of volitional activity often contributes to the formation of a tendency towards additive (dependent) behavior: alcoholism, drug addiction, computer addiction, etc. Unstable accentuation manifests itself already in the elementary grades of school. The child has a complete lack of desire to learn and exhibits unstable behavior. In the personality structure of unstable adolescents, inadequate self-esteem is observed, which is manifested in the inability to self-analysis, corresponding to the assessment of their actions. Unstable adolescents are prone to imitative activities, which makes it possible, under favorable conditions, to form socially acceptable forms of behavior in them.

Affectively labile type. An important feature of this type is extreme mood variability. Frequent mood changes are combined with a significant depth of their experience. The well-being of a teenager and his ability to work depend on the mood of a given moment. Against the background of mood swings, conflicts with peers and adults, short-term and affective outbursts are possible, but then quick repentance follows. During periods of good mood, labile adolescents are sociable, easily adapt to new surroundings, and are responsive to requests. They have well-developed intuition, they are distinguished by their sincerity and depth of attachment to family, loved ones, and friends, and they deeply experience rejection from emotionally significant persons. With a friendly attitude from teachers and others, such teenagers feel comfortable and are active.

It should be noted that manifestations of psychopathic development do not always end with the full formation of psychopathy. For all forms of psychopathic behavior, provided early targeted Corrective action in combination (if necessary) with therapeutic measures can achieve significant success in compensating for deviant development in this category of children.

3. Children with early childhood autism syndrome.

Early childhood autism (ECA) is one of the most complex mental development disorders. This syndrome develops in its full form by the age of three. RDA manifests itself in the following clinical and psychological signs:

    impaired ability to establish emotional contact;

    stereotypical behavior. It is characterized by the presence of monotonous actions in the child’s behavior - motor (swinging, jumping, tapping), speech (pronouncing the same sounds, words or phrases), stereotypical manipulations of any object; monotonous games, stereotypical interests.

    specific speech development disorders ( mutism, echolalia, speech cliches, stereotypical monologues, absence of first-person pronouns in speech, etc.), leading to a violation of speech communication.

Early childhood autism is also characterized by:

    Increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Already in the first year of life, there is a tendency to sensory discomfort (most often to intense household sounds and tactile irritations), as well as a focus on unpleasant impressions. With insufficient activity aimed at examining the surrounding world and limiting diverse sensory contact with it, there is a pronounced “capture”, fascination with certain specific impressions - tactile, visual, auditory, vestibular, which the child strives to receive again and again. For example, a child’s favorite pastime for six months or more may be rustling a plastic bag, watching the movement of a shadow on the wall; the strongest impression may be the light of a lamp, etc. The fundamental difference in autism is the fact that a loved one almost never manages to join in the actions with which the child is “fascinated.”

    A violation of the sense of self-preservation is observed in most cases before the age of one year. It manifests itself both in hyper-caution and in the absence of a sense of danger.

    Violation of affective contact with the immediate environment is expressed by:

    in the particular relationship to the mother's hands. Many autistic children lack anticipating posture (stretching arms towards an adult when the child looks at him). Such a child may also not feel comfortable in the mother’s arms: he either “hangs like a bag”, or is overly tense, resists caresses, etc.;

    features of fixation of gaze on the mother's face. Normally, a child early shows an interest in the human face. Communication through gaze is the basis for the development of subsequent forms of communicative behavior. Autistic children are characterized by avoidance of eye contact (looking past the face or “through” the adult’s face);

    features of an early smile. The timely appearance of a smile and its direction to a loved one is a sign of the successful and effective development of the child. The first smile in most autistic children is not addressed to a person, but rather in response to sensory stimulation that is pleasant for the child (inhibition, the bright color of the mother’s clothes, etc.).

    features of the formation of attachment to a loved one. Normally, they manifest themselves as an obvious preference for one of the persons caring for the child, most often the mother, in experiences of separation from her. The autistic child most often does not use positive emotional reactions to express affection;

    in difficulties in expressing a request. Many children normally develop a directed gaze and gesture at an early stage of development - extending their hand in the right direction, which at subsequent stages transformed into a pointing gesture. In an autistic child and at later stages of development, such a transformation of gesture does not occur. Even at an older age, when expressing his desire, an autistic child takes the adult’s hand and places it on the desired object;

    difficulties in the child’s voluntary organization, which can be expressed in the following trends:

    the absence or inconstancy of the baby’s response to an adult addressing him by his own name;

    failure to follow the direction of an adult’s gaze with his eyes, ignoring his pointing gesture;

    lack of expression of imitative reactions, and more often their complete absence; difficulty in organizing autistic children into simple games that require imitation and demonstration (“okay”);

    the child’s great dependence on the influences of the surrounding “psychic field”. If parents show great persistence and activity, trying to attract attention, then the autistic child either protests or withdraws from contact.

Violation of contact with others, associated with the developmental features of the child’s forms of addressing an adult, is reflected in the difficulty of expressing one’s own emotional state. Normally, the ability to express one’s emotional state and share it with an adult is one of the earliest adaptive achievements of a child. It usually appears after two months. The mother perfectly understands the mood of her child and therefore can control it: comfort the child, relieve discomfort, calm him down. Mothers of autistic children often have difficulty even understanding the emotional state of their children.