Hyperactivity

Considerations:
Hyperactive behavior commonly refers to a group of characteristics. This includes aggressiveness, constant activity, easy distractibility, impulsiveness, inability to concentrate, and similar behaviors.

Typical behaviors may include fidgeting or constant moving, wandering, excessive talking, difficulty participating in "quiet" activities such as reading, and similar behaviors.

Hyperactivity is not easily defined because it often depends on the tolerance of the observer. Behavior that seems excessive to one observer may not seem excessive to another.

Hyperkinetic behavior ("a very active child") often decreases as the child grows older, and disappears by adolescence.

Common Causes:

Note: There may be other causes of hyperactivity. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for hyperactivity, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
A child who is normally very active often responds well to specific directions and a program of regular physical activity .

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • your child seems persistently hyperactive.
  • your child is very active, and is also aggressive and impulsive, and has difficulty concentrating, or has other symptoms.



What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. There may also be a review of the home and school environments.

Medical history questions documenting hyperactivity in detail may include:

  • time pattern
    • Is this a new behavior for the child or has the child always been very active?
    • Is the behavior getting worse?

  • quality
    • What exactly have you noticed?
    • Is the child physically active?
    • Is the child easily distracted?
    • Does the child have trouble following directions?

  • aggravating and relieving factors
    • Have you noticed anything that makes the child more or less active?
    • Is the child more active when at school than when at home?

  • other
    • What other symptoms are present?

The physical examination may include a thorough psychological evaluation.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider as the cause of the child's hyperactivity, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.