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What Causes Irritability In A Child?

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Posted on Tue, 7 Oct 2014
Question: My child gets irritated every now and then,Though she is jolly natured in school,her friends but then at home she is totally different. have tried scolding,distracting mind ,talking but all in vain.pls advice.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Look at the cause and evaluate for psychiatric dis

Detailed Answer:
Firstly, let me mention that whatever we do, we do for a reason. So, if the child is getting irritated, there should be some cause behind. There should be some trigger in her home environment which is setting her off. Children are sensitive creatures and analyse changes in their environment in light of their outlook of the world and their outlook is very different from ours. Since you mention that the child is otherwise normal at could be a problem with her expectations from her environment that includes you (her parents). Their needs are simple but discrete. Unless you realize this lacuna and either fulfill her expectations or modify it to a more realistic and practicable one, the irritability is not likely to stop. Scolding and punishment are not good solutions and should rather be left as last resort. As a matter of fact, it could aggravate any psychiatric cause that might also be behind it.

Try to looking at the world from her point of view and discuss with her in a compassionate manner and surely you would be able to find her problem. If you are unable to do that, I am afraid that you need to discuss the situation in detail by visiting a psychiatrist who might be able to look deeper. Remember that irritability can be a non-specific symptom of psychiatric disorder and needs to be evaluated and managed. Reading http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/your-child-does-not-have-bipolar-disorder/201311/irritable-children-0 should help further.

Hope that helps. Feel free to revert back in case of further queries if any.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)
Thanks for the reply, could you please explain with more details by providing an example.

Actually at time she throws things if we do not listen to her and fulfill her desire and crys a lot and do not listen if we do not scold/punish her and try to make her understand that its wrong but after long period of time she realized that was her mistake.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You should cooperate with your child

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking back. There is no list of examples of things that can normally happen. I just needed to tell you that the child should have something bothering her. In case you do not find any definite reason or solution, a psychiatric evaluation and intervention might be required as there are many childhood psychiatric illnesses linked to irritability as a presentation. You would know more about them by visiting the link I have provided in my earlier answer. But before resorting to such a measure, you should make sure that you understand the child's situation well. As the child grows, you will have to explain to her that you cannot meet all her demands and neither should you. But the way you explain it to her is more important.

I hope you understand. Situation can often be difficult for parents to handle and there cannot be a single solution to such problems. It is good to know that you do not resort to extreme measures and are successful in making your child cooperatively understand. Respect her and make her feel a part of the family and I feel that she would surely respond back.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (24 hours later)
Thanks very much for reply, could you please send list of questions to evaluate so that we can answer to her behavior and get further advice from you.
Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
only you know core details of ur surrounding

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking back. There is no formatted set of questions that will help you to evaluate. Rather it is an informal and hearty interaction with your child. In case you are unable to do that I insist that you visit a psychiatrist directly. There is much more that a doctor can make out when he interacts in person.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (13 hours later)
Thanks for the reply, we have discussed this matter couple if times with our family pediatrician and he advised that these are age specific nothing much to worry as far as interaction is concern, my wife spends most of the time with my daughter and keep on telling her about the bad habits and she pays attention and agree that point of time but again forgets and keeps on crying if we do not fulfill her desire. Actually this happens when parents are in home when outside this pattern never be there she behaves normally with her grandparents therefore its bit confusing to understand whats going on and need advice to handle it carefully.
Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Simple games and delayed reward system should help

Detailed Answer:
It is good to know that you have already consulted a pediatrician. Its assuring to know that he finds things to be normal. Children would be children and we cannot expect mature or adult behavior from them. What is more important that at that point of time she appreciates what is being conveyed to her. Has she been aggressive there, it could mean a psychiatric concern but that does not seem to be the case here. If she does not keep it in mind, all you need to do is to reassure and reemphasize. Design simple games and reward systems where you offer some benefit if she complies. Furthermore, delayed gratification plays an important role in its permanence that immediate reward. You can design a point system where if she scores a certain number of points, she gets some simple reward (which probably you have given her directly anyway).

Another thing that I will like to add is that too much of anything is bad and overattention is bad too. So balance your concern for her (at least what you convey to her). If her mother seems over-apprehensive about her, the results might not be good. Probably that is the reason that she is behaving normally with her grandparents and at school but not at home. So, follow the reward system that I mentioned. These are situations that almost any parent faces.

Hope that helps. If you have been benefited by my answers, please care to give a 5 star rating and a positive review. Wishing you health.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Answered by
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Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3875 Questions

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What Causes Irritability In A Child?

Brief Answer: Look at the cause and evaluate for psychiatric dis Detailed Answer: Firstly, let me mention that whatever we do, we do for a reason. So, if the child is getting irritated, there should be some cause behind. There should be some trigger in her home environment which is setting her off. Children are sensitive creatures and analyse changes in their environment in light of their outlook of the world and their outlook is very different from ours. Since you mention that the child is otherwise normal at could be a problem with her expectations from her environment that includes you (her parents). Their needs are simple but discrete. Unless you realize this lacuna and either fulfill her expectations or modify it to a more realistic and practicable one, the irritability is not likely to stop. Scolding and punishment are not good solutions and should rather be left as last resort. As a matter of fact, it could aggravate any psychiatric cause that might also be behind it. Try to looking at the world from her point of view and discuss with her in a compassionate manner and surely you would be able to find her problem. If you are unable to do that, I am afraid that you need to discuss the situation in detail by visiting a psychiatrist who might be able to look deeper. Remember that irritability can be a non-specific symptom of psychiatric disorder and needs to be evaluated and managed. Reading http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/your-child-does-not-have-bipolar-disorder/201311/irritable-children-0 should help further. Hope that helps. Feel free to revert back in case of further queries if any.