What could be the issue when a child acts impulsively, becomes easily angered or agitated?

Under normal circumstances, children may exhibit impulsivity, irritability, and agitation due to reasons such as immature brain development, poor emotional regulation, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), or anxiety disorders. If symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a qualified hospital. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Immature Brain Development: In children, the prefrontal cortex—which governs emotional control and impulse management—is not yet fully developed. This underdevelopment leads to weaker functional capacity, making children more prone to impulsive and angry reactions when facing challenges. These tendencies typically improve gradually with age. Parents can help by using role-playing exercises to teach appropriate responses to situations and enhance emotional self-control.

2. Poor Emotional Regulation: Children often lack experience and strategies for managing negative emotions, leading them to express distress through impulsive or agitated behaviors when encountering difficulties. Parents should patiently guide children in expressing their feelings and teach calming techniques such as deep breathing or temporarily removing themselves from conflict situations, helping them accumulate experience in emotion management.

3. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Neurotransmitter imbalances affect brain function, resulting in inattention, poor impulse control, irritability, hyperactivity, and restlessness. Under medical guidance, medications such as methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets, atomoxetine hydrochloride capsules, or bupropion hydrochloride tablets may be prescribed. Behavioral intervention training should also be combined to improve impulsive behaviors.

4. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): Children display persistent patterns of defiance and noncompliance, becoming easily angered or impulsive when faced with demands or criticism, often refusing to follow rules or deliberately provoking others. Doctors may recommend family therapy to improve parent-child interaction patterns. In some cases, medications such as risperidone tablets, quetiapine fumarate tablets, or olanzapine tablets may be prescribed to help stabilize mood.

5. Anxiety Disorder: Chronic anxiety keeps children in a constant state of emotional tension. When confronted with stressors, their emotional threshold may be exceeded, leading to impulsive or agitated outbursts, along with sleep disturbances and excessive worry. As directed by a physician, medications such as buspirone tablets, tandospirone capsules, or lorazepam tablets may be used. Psychological counseling is also essential to alleviate anxiety.

In daily life, parents should foster a calm and supportive family environment, avoiding excessive criticism or overindulgence. They should monitor their child's emotional changes and provide timely support for negative emotions. Regular communication with school staff about the child’s behavior is important. If symptoms persist and interfere with daily functioning, consistent, standardized treatment should be maintained to support the child’s healthy development.