A new questionnaire, developed by researchers at Northwestern University, aims to determine whether a child's fits are harmless temper tantrums or signs of a more serious, nascent mental disorder.
The study, which surveyed the parents of 1,500 preschool children between ages three and five, found fewer than 10 percent of young children have a daily tantrum.
"That's an 'aha!' moment," lead researcher and developmental psychologist Dr. Lauren Wakschlag said.
"It gives a measurable indicator to tell us when tantrums are frequent enough that a child may be struggling. Perhaps for the first time, we have a tangible way to help parents, doctors and teachers know when the frequency and type of tantrums may be an indication of a deeper problem."
Only 8.6 percent of the children surveyed exhibited daily tantrums. While this isn't a definite indicator of a nascent behavioral problems, it is a good measure for overall mental health. Researchers also found most tantrums appear at predicable times such as before bed or meals when children are tired or hungry.
The future goal of the study is to distribute the questionnaire to pediatric waiting rooms for parents to fill out. Those responses will help parents and physicians coordinate proper care for the kid.
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