If you’re a parent trying to trying to understand why your child may have behavioral problems, read on.
If you’re a parent with a child suffering from migraine or frequent tension-type headaches or TTH (the most common type of headache), read on.
Studies have suggested that behavioral issues such as anxiety, depression and attention issues are caused by external factors – ones that you wouldn’t normally think would have such an effect on your child’s behavior.
I even wrote about a study that linked air pollutants to child behavior problems. (You can read more on that by clicking here.)
Note that these are worth mentioning for the sake of understanding why children behave in such a way – not to put blame on anything or anyone.
Okay, shall we get on with it?
A recent study has found that children who suffer from migraine or frequent TTH exhibit behavioral problems. But that’s not all: More recurrent headaches translate to increased chances of developing such problems.
The study involved a little over 1,800 children aged 5 to 11, and used headache surveys as well as a Child Behavior Checklist, to find out the correlation of emotional symptoms with migraine and TTH.
How is this important?
There is always an explanation for why children behave in a certain way. Therefore, it becomes important to find out the reason behind behaviors so you know how to help them.
For example, if your child is inattentive, before you draw conclusions (such as him being bored), it’s best to dig deeper into the issue to find out what’s really going on. This way, it will be easier for you to help your child change the behavior.
So, what do you think of the study? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
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I think it makes perfect sense. When we don’t feel well, we act differently. Most of us withdraw when we have a headache or feel sick…its a natural instinct. Which is why those who have chronic pain often end up with symptoms of depression. Its depressing to feel crummy all the time!
And most parents can tell when there kids are getting sick when they notice behavioral changes and moodiness in them. My own son was a bear the other night and my first thought (besides frustration) was that he was getting sick. Sure enough, he had a full blown cold two days later. When we don’t feel well, the negative thoughts usually come with that feeling and the vulnerability of our mood as well. Interesting study! Thanks for sharing Anne!
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That’s a very interesting way of looking at things, Lynn. I think that parents, myself included, respond negatively to children’s negative behavior without trying to figure out why such behavior is occurring.
Interesting article. I wonder how many times kids will let you know that they actually do have a headache. I’ll have to remeber this when Buggy gets older
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Glad you find it interesting! How are you and Buggy, by the way?