During the medical history for
temper tantrums, a health professional will ask
questions about your child's growth and development and whether you have any
concerns about your child's behavior.
Typical questions often include:
- Does your child have other behaviors that concern
you, such as being more active than other children his or her
age?
- Does your child seem more sensitive than you would expect to
things like sounds or touch?
- When does your child go to sleep? Is
your child restless during sleep or does he or she wake up frequently during
the night? Does your child have tantrums around bedtime? What is the average
amount he or she sleeps each day?
- What does your child typically
eat for breakfast? Lunch? Dinner? What are his or her favorite
snacks?
- How would you describe your daily life at home? Is it quiet
or busy? Do you have a regular routine? How many people live in your household?
Does your child get along with sisters and brothers, if any?
- Are
there any big changes going on within your family (such as a recent move, new
baby, separation, or divorce)?
- Does your child seem to have strong
emotions? What does your child do when he or she is happy? How does he or she
act when sad? Can you predict times when your child will feel frustrated or
angry?
These types of questions can help your doctor get a clearer picture
of factors that may be influencing your child's behavior. Your answers can also
help a doctor tell if your child may have a behavioral, developmental, or
health condition.
