Your Concerns about Angry Outbursts/Temper Tantrums, School Age

You said that your child often has tantrums when he/she is frustrated or does not get his/her way. For example, s/he may get very upset after losing a game. Your child may do things like pound his/her fists, scream, hit objects, or slam doors. You may find that these behaviors upset and frustrate you. They may also bother his/her teacher and peers. Children who are much more upset than your child have a depressive disorder.

Warning Signs that things are getting worse:

• Your child loses his/her temper several times a day
• Even small things seem to upset him/her a great deal
• His/her crying and whining happens more often
• Your child is difficult to calm or cheer up
• Your child starts having lots of problems at school
• Your child's teacher is very concerned about these things

If you think these are getting worse talk to your child's doctor, even if you have discussed these things before.

Adapted in part from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Primary Care (DSM-PC) (1996).