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| |    Medical Causes of Aggression by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. Biology does affect aggressiveness. For example, boys are much more likely to be seriously aggressive than are girls. Differences in socialization certainly play a role, but probably not enough to account for the size of the difference in aggressiveness. Genes most likely have a lot to do with a person's aggressiveness, but no one knows exactly how. Genetic causes have been found for some rare conditions that go along with aggressiveness, but this doesn't explain the link between genes and aggressiveness in the majority of people. What your child's doctor will look for If your child has a problem with overly aggressive behavior, it makes sense to ask for a medical assessment. Most aggressive children are physically healthy, but you want to make sure there is no medical or neurological cause that might need treatment. Here are some of the medical causes of aggressiveness, in order of how commonly they occur. Medications Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can lead to aggressive behavior. Antihistamines found in cough and cold medications often trigger behavior problems. Anti-seizure medications and many medications prescribed for psychiatric problems can increase aggressiveness. Subtle brain disorders Children with subtle developmental impairment can also have problems with aggressive behavior. These causes include lead poisoning and iron and deficiency anemia. Some experts believe that environmental pollutants (for example, pesticides) could also contribute. Prenatal exposure to cigarettes, alcohol, and many illegal drugs may contribute to aggressive and out-of-behavior later on. Children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) are also more likely to have problems with aggressiveness. Because of their tendency to act on impulse, they may respond aggressively before they have a chance to think about their actions and control themselves. Developmental disabilities Children with autism and severe mental retardation sometimes have problems with aggressive behavior. These children face severe frustrations because of their limited ability to understand the world around them and to communicate; and they often have limited ability to take control of their own behavior. Epilepsy If your child is prone to sudden angry outbursts, followed by a period of tiredness or confusion--sometimes with irrational or repetitive behaviors--he may be having seizures, a symptom of epilepsy. A very detailed description of exactly what happens when, and what follows the outbursts, can help your physician decide if further testing is needed. Severe brain injury Children who have had severe head trauma with loss of consciousness, or who have recovered from brain infections, sometimes have increased aggressiveness. The combination of medication and therapy, along with patience and loving care, can make a difference for these children.
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