Adolescent Anger: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Here’s how to tell if outbursts and tantrums go beyond normal expectations.

Most children experience occasional tantrums or emotional outbursts, but frequent and uncontrollable anger could indicate underlying issues. Excessive anger could be due to ADHD, anxiety, trauma, learning disorders, sensory processing issues, and autism spectrum disorder.

It’s important for parents to know what’s normal and what isn’t so they can best help their children. Here’s what you should look for.

6 Signs Your Adolescent’s Anger Isn’t Normal

Your child’s emotional outbursts might have an underlying cause. Look for the following signs:

• Tantrums that are not age-appropriate
• Behaviors that pose dangers to themselves or others
• Outbursts that cause trouble at school
• Behaviors that interfere with friendships or interpersonal relationships
• Aggressions that disrupt family life
• Uncontrolled actions that make them feel bad about themselves

A one-time outburst might not be cause for concern. However, repeated behaviors are usually a symptom of something bigger that needs to be addressed.

How Inpatient Youth Mental Healthcare Can Help

Finding the cause behind a child’s anger is the first step toward treating it. Our inpatient youth mental health programs are designed to get to the root of the problem so we know what to treat. While conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and autism aren’t “curable,” they are treatable. We give our patients the coping mechanisms and skills they need to live healthy lives and reduce the impact of angry outbursts. Contact us today to learn more.

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