Tempering temper tantrums

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“Temper tantrums” are a frequent topic of discussion in the well child visits of preschoolers. An underlying concern in such discussions is whether this behavior represents something which is “typical” and will resolve, or whether it represents some more serious underlying problem. Up until now, the practitioner had little guidance in making this assessment beyond his or her personal experience.

In the current issue of The Journal, Belden et al provide us with more guidance. These investigators examined the described features of temper tantrums in a group of preschool children, and compared them with the results of a well-validated child psychiatric assessment instrument.

Several characteristics of tantrums were more common in children with depressive or disruptive features on the psychiatric assessment. These included violence during tantrums, more frequent tantrums at school and/or daycare, and self-harmful behavior during tantrums. The practitioner might wish to use this study as a template for obtaining more detailed information from parents regarding their children’s tantrums. This could then be used as an aid in identifying the child whose family can be reassured.