Hyperactivity is a term we’ve heard a lot in recent years. It’s common to confuse a restless child with a hyperactive child because we don’t know exactly what this term means. That’s why, if you suspect your son or daughter might have some type of hyperactivity, it’s important to consult a doctor before taking any serious steps such as giving medication to the child, for example. Many times, the child may have another problem or might just be very energetic.

What is hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is a condition directly related to ADHD, or Attention Deficit Disorder with hyperactivity. This disorder is characterized by the improper functioning of certain parts of the brain, such as:

  • Frontal Lobes
  • Cerebellum
  • Corpus Callosum
  • Basal Ganglia

It is important to emphasize that improper functioning does not necessarily mean poor development, as the brain of someone who is hyperactive may actually work too fast, which is also reflected in the body, making the person restless all the time. ADHD usually starts in childhood and can continue into adulthood, contributing to relationship difficulties, problems at school or work, and even low self-esteem.

Diagnosing Hyperactivity in Children

As we mentioned at the beginning of the text, this is not a simple matter. The biggest problem we encounter is that we jump to conclusions and assume that certain behaviors in some children are ADHD without really knowing what it is. For this, we can mention that the main symptoms of hyperactivity are:

Symptoms

  • Excessive nervousness
  • Being restless all the time
  • Not being able to stay still or stop talking
  • Having difficulty with games that require sitting down

When we notice these symptoms in one of our children, we may start to worry and schedule a doctor’s appointment for evaluation. It’s always good to emphasize that only a doctor can give the correct diagnosis that a child has hyperactivity and determine its type.

Causes of hyperactivity

To understand what causes hyperactivity, we need to understand that it is a disease that develops during the brain’s developmental phase in the child. This means that many times the cause of hyperactivity is not internal, but is related to the environment the child is in. The mother’s consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or psychoactive substances during pregnancy is one of the main causes of the disorder, for example. Additionally, abuse and maltreatment can trigger the disease in many children. Despite this, the genetic factor also plays a role in whether a child develops hyperactivity. It’s not necessary for the child’s father or mother to also suffer from or have suffered from the condition (although this can happen), but a genetic code can be passed from parent to child without manifesting in everyone.

Types of Hyperactivity

We can mention three types of hyperactivity that occur in children, which are:

  • Predominantly Inattentive
  • Predominantly Hyperactive & Impulsive
  • Combined Inattentive and Hyperactive

Predominantly Inattentive

In this type of hyperactivity, the child has difficulty maintaining concentration or paying attention to something for long periods, especially when it’s something they’re not interested in. The big issue here is at school, where the child may display various learning difficulties.

Predominantly Hyperactive & Impulsive

In this case, the child has difficulty staying still in one place when what they need to do is not interesting for them. Here we can also highlight the difficulty in analyzing the consequences of actions they are about to take.

Combined Inattentive and Hyperactive

This is the most common of the three types of hyperactivity, where the child displays a combination of the symptoms of the two types mentioned above. In this case, children may display problems in various environments, such as at school and also within the family.

Treatment for hyperactivity

There are various types of treatments that are effective for treating this illness, but none of them show improvement without combining physical activity, good mental work, and emotional support. A doctor will be able to recommend the best treatment for each specific case; they will analyze the needs of the patient and whether or not there is a necessity for medication, as well as indicate which physical activities are needed to help cure the disorder. Hyperactivity is a serious disorder that needs to be treated very carefully when detected. Even though many people don’t really know what it’s about, it’s important to seek medical advice both to answer your questions and to feel reassured about your child’s health. It’s very common to see mothers desperate and not knowing what to do with their children, labeling them as having ADHD without really knowing whether the child has this condition or not. This kind of reaction is dangerous and harmful to the child’s health, which is why it’s so important to research and seek professional help to deal with cases like this. The big danger with hyperactivity is that it can continue into adulthood, leading to bigger problems, especially social issues that can also lead to depression. For this reason, the disorder must be treated from childhood so that it doesn’t progress and affect other areas of the child’s life. Also check out: What is Asperger’s Syndrome? Photos: mcconnmama