11 Tantrums may also start with shouting and angry outbursts followed by sobbing, withdrawing, and seeking comfort. 10, 11 Some of the behaviors associated with childhood tantrums include shouting, screaming, crying, falling to the floor, flailing their extremities, hitting, kicking, throwing items, and having breath-holding spells. 9 Moreover, temper tantrums are a frequent reason for referral to behavior therapists and are among the most common behavior problems of childhood. 8 In fact, preschoolers with a DSM-IV diagnosis (such as depression) displayed significantly more violence during tantrums (with a difficult recovery) compared to healthy preschoolers. Many children (eg, when tired, hungry, or afraid) have temper tantrums (expressions of strong emotions) on a daily basis until they are 3 or 4 years old. Regression has been portrayed in a more positive light by others (eg, psychologists like Carl Jung), who have argued that an individual’s regressive tendency is not just a relapse into infantilism, but an attempt to achieve something important (eg, a universal feeling of childhood innocence, a sense of security, reciprocated love, and trust). Managing regression in a hospital is resource intensive and can prolong hospital stays. Regression becomes problematic, especially in a hospital, when it is employed to avoid difficult adult situations or stressors. Regressive behavior can be simple or complex, harmful or harmless to the individual showing the behavior and to those around them. In essence, individuals revert to a point in their development when they felt safer and when stress was nonexistent, or when an all-powerful parent or another adult would have rescued them. Insecurity, fear, and anger can cause an adult to regress. Regression in adults can arise at any age it entails retreating to an earlier developmental stage (emotionally, socially, or behaviorally). Addressing the underlying unmet need in the child usually corrects the regressive behavior. Children usually manifest regressive behavior to communicate their distress. Regression is typical in normal childhood, and it can be caused by stress, by frustration, or by a traumatic event. According to Sigmund Freud, 1 regression is an unconscious defense mechanism, which causes the temporary or long-term reversion of the ego to an earlier stage of development (instead of handling unacceptable impulses in a more adult manner).

Voluntary age regression