Fidgetiness or irritability in a child: What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Fussy or irritable child; Inconsolability; Irritability

A fussy or irritable child is a behavior pattern, which can be observed in children. He usually has bouts of sadness., irritability and frequent episodes of crying or tantrums.

It is important to note, that this is a common condition among young children and does not necessarily indicate a serious problem. Most children outgrow this behavior by the age of three..

Causes of a restless or irritable child

There are many potential causes of a fussy or irritable child.. Some possible reasons may include:

Hunger. Children can get upset easily, when they are hungry and they will not be given food, when they expect it.

growth spurts. During growth spurts, children can be very restless due to changes in their bodies..

Lack of sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to increased irritability and irritability in children during the day.

Hyperstimulation. Too much sensory stimulation can make children feel overwhelmed and frustrated.

Disease: If the child is not feeling well, he can express it with fussiness and irritability.

Pain. Children may experience pain and not be able to express it better, than fussiness.

Stress. Living in a stressful environment can cause children to react with excitement.

Underdevelopment. Some children may develop more slowly, than their peers, and may show fussiness or irritability due to feeling left behind.

Symptoms of a restless or irritable child

The main symptom of a restless or irritable child is frequent episodes of crying., fussiness and/or tantrums. These behaviors can last from minutes to hours and can vary in intensity and frequency depending on the cause..

Other associated symptoms may include:

• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Failure to respond to parents' attempts to comfort
• Difficulties with feeding
• Obsessive behavior

When to see a doctor

If the symptom persists after three years of age, Talk to your doctor. This is especially true, if such behavior is accompanied by other alarming symptoms, such as decreased appetite, sleep disorders, unexplained weight loss, refusal to eat, lack of interest in gambling or extreme mood swings.

Besides, parents should see a doctor, if the behavior becomes serious, frequent or continues for a long period of time. In this case it is possible, that the child is suffering from a more serious condition, such as depression or anxiety.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

In consultation with a healthcare professional, the parent may be asked the following questions::

• When fussiness or irritability appeared?
• How often does your child exhibit this behavior??
• What changes have you noticed in your child in the past few weeks??
• Do other family members exhibit similar behavior?
• Does your child respond to your attempts to comfort him/her??
• Has your child had any recent illnesses or changes in daily routine?

Diagnosing a restless or irritable child

To diagnose the cause of a restless or irritable child, a medical professional can conduct a physical examination and order various tests. Depending on the age of the child, the doctor may request a complete medical history., including development milestones, any family history of illness and any exposure to toxins. Blood tests may be ordered to check for metabolic or endocrine disorders.

Treating a restless or irritable child

Type of treatment, recommended by your doctor, will depend on the cause of the fussiness or irritability. In some cases, the behavior may be completely rejected, and the parent will just recommend to wait, until the baby outgrows it.

More often, the doctor suggests lifestyle changes and additional care, to reduce symptom severity. The following treatment options may be recommended:

• Changes in diet. In cases, when the cause is related to the mother's diet during pregnancy or the child's current diet, dietary changes may be recommended. This may include switching to a lactose-free or gluten-free diet or switching to a formula., specially designed for children, colic sufferers.
• Herbal Supplements. Herbal remedies, such as chamomile tea or fennel supplements, can be offered, if they are considered safe and appropriate for the child.
• Medicines. In some cases, the doctor may recommend medication, prescription, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. This is usually the last resort.
• Family counseling. If the cause of the restless or irritable child is related to stress, family counseling may be recommended, to promote better communication and understanding between family members.

Home treatment for a restless or irritable child

In addition to therapies, listed above, parents can also take steps at home, to reduce fussiness or irritability, shown by their child.

1. Set a daily routine

Having a consistent schedule and routine can help relieve stress and anxiety, which can lead to worsening of symptoms. It also gives the child a sense of consistency and security., which can be soothing.

2. Limit Stimulation

Children can easily get overtired and overexcited. Limitation of stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights and strong odors, can help reduce stress, associated with these triggers.

3. Calming activities

Soothing activities can help calm a restless or irritable child., such as listening to music, Reading together or taking a relaxing bath.

4. Rule out disease

If the child is not feeling well, it can cause fussiness and irritability. Contacting a doctor, to rule out a medical problem, is an important step in reducing symptoms.

5. Make your child feel comfortable

Comforting a child in the form of hugs, gentle words can help reduce a child's anxiety and stress. It is also important to give them enough time, to process your emotions and express yourself.

Prevention of restlessness or irritability in a child

Considering, that fussiness or irritability in children is a very common and normal behavior, cannot be completely prevented. Nonetheless, there are measures, what parents can do, to reduce the likelihood of it.

1. quality sleep

Ensuring children get enough sleep is one of the most important preventive measures. Children must sleep 12-16 hours every night, according to their age.

2. Proper nutrition

Nutritious Diet, rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, may promote optimal growth and development and help avoid certain nutrient deficiencies, which can cause fussiness and irritability.

3. Reducing stress levels

Family stress can be a major factor, causing fussiness and irritability in children. Minimizing stressful situations and encouraging a calm and peaceful environment can help reduce this symptom..

4. Need to limit screen time

Excessive screen time can be overly stimulating for a child, making him fussy and irritable. Limit screen time to 1-2 hours a day can help reduce this symptom.

5. Avoid overstimulation

Too much stimulation can be a major cause of fussiness or irritability in children. Thus, it is important to watch for warning signs and avoid actions or conditions, which may be overly stimulating for the child.

Used sources and literature

Onigbanjo MT, Feigelman S. The first year. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Bloom NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 22.

Zhou D, Sequeira S, Driver D, Thomas S. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. In: Driver D, Thomas SS, eds. Complex Disorders in Pediatric Psychiatry: A Clinician’s Guide. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2018:chap 15.