How your child’s tantrum could be a sign of ADHD – and 6 other signs to watch for

TANTRUMS have been flagged as a potential sign of ADHD in children.

We know what you’re thinking – don’t all kids have tantrums?

New studies have been looking into how attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) progresses over time.

And the latest, led by the University of Edinburgh, is among the first to look at the links between early patterns of emotion regulation and school-age mental health.

It found that preschool children who struggle to control their emotions and behaviour have more symptoms of ADHD by the time they are aged seven.

Children aged between three and seven who are slower at acquiring skills to manage their intense emotions were also found to be at risk of displaying more issues related to ADHD.

They were also more likely to show internalising behaviours, such as sadness and worries, at age seven, according to the researchers.

While we often think of hyperactivity when it comes to ADHD, emotional dysregulation is a common symptom of the condition in children and adults.

It means those with it may have intense emotions that are disproportionate to the situation, or have trouble calming down after something upsetting. 

And they may also have a short fuse, be easily overexcited, or have low frustration tolerance.

Other key symptoms that can be overlooked include extreme impatience, difficulty with time management and losing items, the NHS says – and while we all experience this from time to time, they affect daily functioning in those with ADHD.

The new findings could help tailor targeted support for children who may benefit from enhanced preventative care before mental health issues emerge as a result.

The prevalence of ADHD, a chronic mental disorder that affects a person’s behaviour and development, has increased in recent decades.

A study by University College London involving 7 million people aged 3–99 found ADHD diagnoses increased 20-fold between 2000 and 2018.

This is partly due to better awareness.

Dr Aja Murray, of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, who led the study, said: “Emotion regulation skills are acquired from early in life and are thought to strengthen gradually over childhood.

“Children, however, acquire these skills at different rates and slower acquisition may serve as a marker for neurodevelopmental and mental health issues.

“Our findings suggest that monitoring trajectories of emotion regulation over development could help identity which children are at risk of mental health issues.”

How the study was carried out

Researchers at the Universities of Edinburgh, Northumbria and Oxford analysed a large dataset to test whether the progression of emotional development among children aged three to seven is related to the risk of common mental health issues.

They examined data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study which follows the lives of around 19,000 young people born in 2000-2002.

The researchers analysed questionnaires and interviews which surveyed parents on their children’s conduct, social behaviours, and emotional regulation skills.

They used statistical techniques to measure the link between emotional problems, conduct problems and ADHD symptoms at age seven.

Their findings showed that a tendency to have extreme emotional responses and slower development in the ability to regulate those emotions was significantly associated with ADHD symptoms, internalising symptoms, and conduct problems in both male and female children at age seven.

This was the case even when other factors such as data on any pre-existing neurodevelopmental and mental health issues were taken into account.

Other signs of ADHD in children

ADHD is more often diagnosed in boys than girls.

Symptoms in children can split into two categories – inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing) and hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

According to the NHS, girls are more likely to have symptoms of inattentiveness only, and are less likely to show disruptive behaviour that makes ADHD symptoms more obvious.

This means girls who have ADHD may not always be diagnosed.

Symptoms in children are usually noticeable before the age of six.

Three of the main signs of inattentiveness include:

• having a short attention span and being easily distracted
• appearing to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions
• constantly changing activity or task

Three of the main signs of hyperactivity and impulsiveness include:

• being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings
• interrupting conversations
• little or no sense of danger

There are many more symptoms linked to ADHD in children and adults (see the full list below).

Your GP or your child’s teacher will be able to help if you think you or your child has ADHD.

While your GP will not be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD, they can refer you for specialist assessment.

Your child’s school can also arrange a specialist referral for your child.

Treatment for ADHD

There is no cure for ADHD, but treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning.

Treatments often include a combination of medication, therapy, and other interventions.

Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed, but other medications may be used. 

Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and antidepressants may be used if stimulants cause side effects or aren’t an option for health reasons.

Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) can help with social and emotional challenges.