Aggression

What causes anger, irritability, and aggression in children?

Multiple factors can contribute to a particular child’s struggles with anger, irritability, and aggression (behavior that can cause harm to oneself or another). One common trigger is frustration when a child cannot get what he or she wants or is asked to do something that he or she might not feel like doing. For children, anger issues often accompany other mental health conditions, including ADHD, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Tourette’s syndrome.

Genetics and other biological factors are thought to play a role in anger/aggression. Environment is a contributor as well. Trauma, family dysfunction and certain parenting styles (such as harsh and inconsistent punishment) also make it more likely that a child will exhibit anger and/or aggression that interferes with his or her daily life.

What are the characteristics of an aggressive child?

Nearly all preschoolers occasionally grab a toy from a classmate or scream themselves into a full-out temper tantrum. But a child who has a problem with aggression typically behaves in these ways:

• Frequently loses his temper, getting intensely angry.

• Is extremely irritable or impulsive.

• Is frustrated easily and has a short attention span.

• Physically attacks and fights other children or adults.

• Is frequently disruptive, argumentative, or sullen.

• Performs poorly in school or can't participate in organized group activities.

• Has trouble taking part in social situations and making friends.

• Argues or fights constantly with family members and inevitably resists parental authority.