Agitation: Helping Your Child Keep Their Cool

People become agitated by a variety of different things, and children are no exception. Especially young children who are still learning how to properly communicate their emotions or desires are prone to feelings of agitation. However, when these feelings start interfering with your child's education, regardless of their age, it may be due to an underlying behavior disorder.

An estimated 10% of children suffer from some form of emotional or behavior disorder. These conditions can often go undiagnosed since they can be misconstrued as misbehavior. Excessive agitation can be a symptom of behavior disorders like:

Agitation doesn't have to hinder your child's progress, and emotional and behavioral disorders do not affect their intelligence. However, being unable to control emotions and behavior can cause your child to have trouble performing well in school and in social situations.

There are a variety of treatment options available for kids who suffer from agitation due to a behavior disorder. Consult with your primary care provider or an experienced health care professional to find out what the best options are for you and your family's unique needs.