What are externalizing and internalizing problems?

Internalizing problems are characterized by anxious and depressive symptoms, social withdrawal and somatic complaints. Externalizing problems on the other hand are defined as aggressive, oppositional, and delinquent behavior.

What is an example of internalizing problems?

Important internalizing conditions include depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, somatic complaints and teenage suicide. Genetic, environmental and social factors have been implicated as potential causes. Data on the prevalence of these disorders varies.

What are internalizing difficulties?

Internalizing problems (depression, anxiety, social anxiety, somatic complaints, post-traumatic symptoms, and obsession-compulsion) are very important in adolescents’ development. These problems can be related with people who lack social skills and poorly handle their emotions.

What is an example of an externalizing disorder?

Some examples of externalizing disorder symptoms include, often losing one’s temper, excessive verbal aggression, physical aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, theft, and deliberate fire setting.

What are internalizing symptoms?

Internalizing symptoms are those effects that are turned inward. They impact the person’s subjective internal world and may include: Feeling sad more often than not. Decreased self-esteem. Loneliness. Hopelessness. Loss of pleasure.

What does internalizing mean?

Medical Definition of internalize. : to give a subjective character to specifically : to incorporate (as values or patterns of culture) within the self as conscious or subconscious guiding principles through learning or socialization.

What does externalizing mean in psychiatry?

Externalizing is a term used by mental health professionals to describe and diagnose psychiatric disorders featuring problems with self-control of emotions and behaviors . A person with an externalizing disorder directs antisocial, aggressive behavior outward (externally), at others, rather than turning his or her feelings inward (internalizing).