Health Encyclopedia

Hyperactivity

Definition

Hyperactivity is a state of too much muscle activity. This term is also used to describe a situation when a particular portion of the body is too active, such as when a gland produces too much of its particular hormone. See also attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Alternative Names

Activity - increased; Hyperkinetic behavior

Considerations

Hyperactive behavior usually refers to a group of characteristics. These can include constant activity, being easily distracted, impulsiveness, inability to concentrate, aggressiveness, and similar behaviors.

Typical behaviors may include fidgeting or constant moving, wandering, too much talking, and difficulty participating in quiet activities (such as reading).

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. However, certain children -- when compared to others -- are clearly far more active, which can become a problem if it interferes with school work or making friends.

Hyperactivity is often considered more of a problem for schools and parents than it is for the affected child. However, many hyperactive children are unhappy or even depressed. Hyperactive behavior may make a child a target for bullying, or make it harder to connect with other children. Schoolwork may be more difficult, and hyperactive kids are frequently punished for their behavior.

Hyperkinetic (excessive movement) behavior often decreases as the child grows older, and may disappear entirely by adolescence.

Common Causes

Attention deficit disorder
Emotional disorders
Brain or central nervous system disorders
Hyperthyroidism

Home Care

A child who is normally very active often responds well to specific directions and a program of regular physical activity. A child with a hyperactivity disorder, on the other hand, has a hard time following directions and controlling impulses.

Call your health care provider if

Your child seems persistently hyperactive
Your child is very active, aggressive, impulsive, and has difficulty concentrating
Your child's activity level is causing social difficulties, or difficulty with schoolwork

What to expect at your health care provider's office

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:

Is this a new behavior for the child or has the child always been very active?
Is the behavior getting worse?
Exactly what behavior have you noticed?
Is the child physically active?
Is the child easily distracted?
Does the child have trouble following directions?
Have you noticed anything that makes the child more or less active?
Is the child more active at school than at home?
What other symptoms are present?

The provider may recommend a thorough psychological evaluation.

Review Date:5/12/2006
Reviewed By:Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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