Behaviour

Overview

Behaviour is the way we act, react, and interact with the world around us. Sometimes, a person's behaviour changes in a way that worries them or the people around them — for example, becoming unusually withdrawn, irritable, confused, or acting out of character. In general practice, a doctor will work with you to understand what might be causing these changes and help you find the right support. This article is about those patterns of behaviour that become a concern, not about diagnosing a specific condition.

Yes. Behavioural concerns are one of the most common reasons people visit their general practice. Feeling worried about your own or a loved one's behaviour is very common, and you are not alone.

Behavioural changes can affect people of all ages — children, adults, and older adults. It may happen gradually or suddenly, and it can be related to physical health, mental health, or difficult life circumstances.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Changes in mood, such as being irritable, anxious, or very low
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
• Acting out of character, such as being more aggressive or impulsive
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions
• Sleeping much more or much less than usual
• Repeated thoughts or actions that feel hard to control

Symptoms in children

• Frequent or very intense temper tantrums
• Being unusually defiant or ignoring rules
• Difficulty settling down or paying attention in school
• Frequent meltdowns over small changes in routine
• Showing no interest in playing or talking with others
• Hurting themselves or others, or saying things that worry parents

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or memory problems that seem worse than before
• Becoming suspicious, seeing or hearing things that are not there
• Restlessness, wandering, or getting easily agitated
• Unusual changes in sleep patterns
• Less interest in food, hygiene, or social contact

Causes

Main causes

• Stressful life events, such as grief, relationship difficulties, or job loss
• Mental health conditions, for example depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Physical illness, infections, or chronic health conditions that affect the brain
• Side effects of certain medicines or interactions between medicines
• Alcohol or substance use, including withdrawal
• Disrupted sleep, poor nutrition, or being in pain

Risk factors

• A family history of mental health difficulties
• A personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
• Chronic illness or living with long-term pain
• Social isolation or lack of support
• Experiencing or witnessing trauma, abuse, or violence
• Carrying for someone with a serious illness

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You feel your behaviour is hard to control and you are worried you might hurt yourself or someone else
• You have thoughts of self-harm or ending your life
• Someone you care for has become suddenly confused, aggressive, or is not acting like themselves and you cannot keep them safe
• You are concerned about a child whose behaviour is putting them or others in danger

Book a routine appointment if:

• Your behaviour has been affecting your daily life for more than a few weeks
• You are struggling at work, school, or in relationships because of changes in your behaviour
• You have stopped taking medicines or treatments because of how they make you feel
• You want a general check-up to talk through concerns about your mood, memory, or behaviour

Diagnosis

There is no single test for behaviour concerns. A doctor or nurse will talk with you (or you and your loved one) in a calm, confidential setting. They will ask about what has changed, when it started, and how it affects daily life. They may also check for physical causes by asking about general health, medicines, and alcohol use.

Tests that may be done

• A conversation about your symptoms, history, and any events that might be relevant
• A physical examination if needed
• Blood tests, such as a full blood count or thyroid function, to rule out medical causes
• Questionnaires about mood, anxiety, memory, or behaviour
• With your permission, a discussion with a family member or caregiver who can provide more detail

What to expect at your appointment

The appointment may take longer than a regular one. You will be given time to speak honestly about what is happening. The doctor will explain what they find, and if needed, they will refer you for further assessment or talking therapies. You may be asked to come back to review how things are going.

Treatment

Treatment for behaviour concerns depends on what is causing them. For many people, talking through the problem with a trusted GP and learning practical strategies is enough. Others may benefit from more structured talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or from help to address an underlying physical or mental health condition. Treatment is usually gradual and involves the person at the centre.

Self-care at home

• Keep a simple diary of what your behaviour is like on different days, including any triggers
• Create a calm daily routine with regular meals, rest, and sleep
• Limit alcohol and avoid recreational drugs
• Have one trusted person you can talk to about how you feel
• Set small, realistic goals for yourself rather than trying to fix everything at once

Medical treatments

If a doctor identifies a mental or physical health condition, they may recommend a treatment plan that includes talking therapies, lifestyle changes, and possibly medication. Medication, when it is offered, is prescribed for a specific diagnosis and is always started under close medical supervision, with regular reviews and a discussion about benefits and side effects. Never take medication that is not prescribed for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not relevant for behaviour concerns themselves, but it may occasionally be recommended if a physical condition such as a brain tumour or hormonal problem is found that is causing the behaviour. This would be discussed in detail by the specialist team, and surgery would only happen after thorough assessment.

Living with this condition

Living with a behaviour concern can feel exhausting, confusing, or upsetting. It can help to take things one day at a time, keep communication open with loved ones, and allow yourself small moments of calm. If you are supporting someone else, it is just as important to look after your own wellbeing and get regular breaks.

Lifestyle tips

• Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to support restful sleep
• Use relaxation techniques like slow breathing, gentle stretches, or quiet music
• Spend time outside or in a green space when you can
• Stay connected with at least one person you trust
• Take part in activities that bring a sense of enjoyment or achievement, even small ones

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with regular meals helps keep your mood and energy stable. Try to avoid high-sugar snacks and caffeinated drinks late in the day. Physical activity, even a short daily walk, can improve mood, reduce stress, and help you feel more in control. Gentle exercise is a good starting point.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Behaviour concerns often bring shame, guilt, or fear. These feelings are natural, but they do not mean you are weak or broken. Many people go through difficult periods in their behaviour and get better with help. If your thoughts become overwhelming, talk to your GP or a crisis service — reaching out is a sign of strength, not failure.

Prevention

It is not always possible to prevent behaviour concerns, especially when they are linked to genetics, life events, or physical illness. However, there are ways to reduce risk: seeking help early, managing stress, staying connected, treating health conditions, and looking after your sleep and routine can all make a real difference.

Vaccines

Vaccines are not specifically for behaviour problems, but staying up to date on immunisations can protect against illnesses — like meningitis or viral infections — that could affect the brain and cause changes in behaviour.

Screening programmes

Regular check-ups with your GP can help detect and manage conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or depression, which have been linked to changes in behaviour. Screening is part of routine care, and you do not need to wait for symptoms to ask about it.

Complications

If left untreated

• Strains or damage to relationships with family, friends, or colleagues
• Problems at school, work, or in everyday responsibilities
• Worsening of an underlying mental or physical health condition
• Increased risk of accidents, self-harm, or harm to others
• Loss of confidence, social isolation, or loneliness

Long-term outlook

With the right help and support, most people living with behaviour concerns see meaningful improvement. It can take time, and setbacks are part of the journey, but many people find that their behaviour — or their relationship with it — changes for the better. Even for long-term or serious conditions, there are many ways to manage symptoms and live a full, active life. You do not have to face this alone.

Find support

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