Medical history for temper tantrums

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.