Our 8 year old has had "ticks" on and off for the past few years, but they are increasing in number and frequency lately. His teachers say it's not so unusual, but we're anxious to ensure that we don't let something fester and grow, if it could be treated by a professional now. He's a very bright but also volatile little boy, veering from love and affection to full blown rage at the drop of a Gameboy. Thanks

I get a lot of referrals for these sort of issues. First I would like to mention that 25% of all children can develop what is called a "transient tic". It usually goes away in time. Some children have "tic disorders". These conditions can last a long time, even into adulthood. A small number of children have Tourette's Syndrome, a more significant form of tics. It is not common however.

I see a lot of children with tics and anger control problems. Many of them experience significant anxiety as well. They can be quick to boil up, are irritable and often react poorly when they do not get their way or when they are frustrated.

These sort of difficulties can be quite problematic and sometimes interfere with friendship formation. Sometimes they interfere with the relationship between the parent and the child.

I suggest that you seek professional intervention soon. The good news is that anxiety is one of the easier conditions to treat in children (and adults). There are specific interventions for it and relief is often experienced in a matter of weeks.

Do not ignore the problem, it will not go away on its own.

If you have a question for Moncrieff's Parenting Expert, David Carey, email it to afternoon@newstalk.ie and tune in every Wednesday at 3pm.

David J. Carey is a psychologist in practice in Stillorgan, Dublin. He is the author of the book, The Essential Guide to Special Education in Ireland.