The phrase Acting Out comes from Psychodynamic theory, which states that unbearable feelings may be "enacted" rather than articulated in mind (being thought about).

It is an example of a Teleological thinking process - solving an unbearable state of mind by DOING - which is one of the Pre-mentalistic stances, which are "primitive" forms of mental functioning that occur when Mentalization fails.

What to do:

1. Consider how you are Managing Risk, as Acting Out can imply significant risks to self or others.
2. What is the young person's understanding of the problem? If this relates to their motivational state as regards thinking about changing this response to anxiety, then consider Motivational Work.
3. Apply Crisis Contingency Planning to generate alternative courses of action for the young person at times most likely to end in Acting Out, as well as planned responses from the Family/carers to maximise safety.
4. Cognitive Behavioural approaches that develop Relaxation skills (see Progressive Muscle Relaxation) may offer a first line in.
5. Deploy MentalizationBasedWork, as acting out is a failure of this (a Teleological thinking response.)

Other relevant areas:

There are particular NeuroDevelopmental vulnerabilities during adolescence that make this response more likely.