Hyperactivity, ADHD, ADD.
Is my child hyperactive?
Hyperactivity is activity or movement that is excessive, without purpose, and whose speed increases.
Attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are behavior disorders that can by marked by the following symptoms:
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
- Inattention
Generally, childhood is the time when the disorders are recognized by people in a child’s life. The symptoms do not need to occur collectively. By age 7, ADHD’s symptoms are fully revealed. Very young preschoolers can shows signs of the disorder. ADD symptoms may not surface until the elementary school years. There are 3 major ADHD types:
- The most common type is ADHD/combined type (behaviors of an impulsive, hyperactive nature coupled with distractibility and inattention)
- The least common type is ADHD/impulsive-hyperactive type (same behaviors as combined type but without distractibility and inattention)
- ADHD/inattentive and distractible type (its chief features are distractibility and inattention, minus hyperactivity)
It is the belief of researchers that inherited traits, not choices parents make, are more likely the culprits behind ADHD. Additionally, behavior that a child demonstrates can be worsened by environmental factors. The following are possible causes of ADHD:
- Problems with anatomy and function of the brain (ex: in the activity and attention areas of the brain, scans have shown less activity in ADHD sufferers)
- Heredity (approximately 1 in 4 ADHD children has 1+ relatives in his/her family who also have the disorder)
- The child’s mother smoking, using drugs, or exposing herself to toxins during her pregnancy.
- Environmental-toxin exposure during childhood
“Fidgety” is a term commonly associated with hyperactivity. Engaging in group play is a difficult task for toddlers who are hyperactive. These toddlers are constantly active (physically/verbally) and in a manner that is excessive. Fidgeting at a desk or abandoning a desk all together is typical of a hyperactive school-age child. Additionally, homework time is a dreaded one. Classroom settings are usually where hyperactivity is revealed. Hyperactivity is often experienced by more than 1 family member. Women are 5 times less likely to suffer from hyperactivity than men. The percentage of school-aged children that are diagnosed with the behavior is 4 to 5 percent.
Parents may be concerned if their child gets into a lot of accidents or does not do well in school. Seeking professional help is a good idea. Teachers can play a crucial role in diagnosing the behavior since they witness firsthand a child’s higher-than-normal degree of activity. After the child’s history is examined by a professional, a diagnosis is made. The history is provided by the parents, by the child him/herself, and possibly by school teachers. The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities is an organization in Washington, DC that has a Web site nichycy.org where concerned parents can read about child learning disabilities.
Medication, therapy, or a combination of the two may be administered to a diagnosed hyperactive child. Parent-and-teacher guided behavior therapy helps a hyperactive child by allowing him/her to focus better on things. Cylert, Dexedrine, and Ritalin are some of the medications that may be administered.
Behavior therapy or medication can be beneficial to hyperactive children in the following ways: a calming effect can be felt, a higher level of attentiveness can be achieved, performance in school can improve, and improvement in social life may occur since the child may be able to engage in activity in a more appropriate manner with peers. If treatment is not administered to a child with hyperactivity, in time the behavior will likely diminish.
- For more information on Hyperactivity
- Driven To Distraction : Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood
-
ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life
- Natural Remedies for ADHD
- Attention Deficit Disorder A to Z
- Candida Albicans - is it related to ADHD?
- The Calm Kids Program ebook.
