hyperactivity

Hyperactivity

What Is Hyperactivity?

Hyperactivity (called Hyperkinetic Disorder by the experts) in children happens when the child is overactive and cannot concentrate for very long in more than one place (e.g. home, school, at a clinic e.t.c.).

How Can You Tell If A Child Is Hyperactive?

Generally if the child is restless for long periods of time, and for example, is always running about, being very noisy or talkative, often changing what they are doing before it's finished, are reckless and take risks most children wouldn't, and are rude and naughty, then there is a fair chance that they may be hyperactive.

However, remember that most children can be like this sometimes, what should be noticed is if the child has been like it for quite a while. The problems should also have started before the child reached the age of 6.

How Common Is Hyperactivity?

In the UK they reckon that 1 in 1000 children are hyperactive. In the USA they reckon it's more like 1 in 100. This is probably not because there are ten times more hyperactive children in the USA but because it is something that Doctors tend to look out for in America.

It is also more common in poor families.

What Causes Hyperactivity?

Like many disorders, the experts argue amongst themselves about whether it has something to do with a childs' genetics (i.e. they are born with it) or how they are brought up (i.e. social factors like parenting and school).

In reality, each childs' case should be judged on it's own merits. Sometimes it seems obvious that social factors play the biggest role, and sometimes the reverse. The probable cause of the condition should never be suggested until all the facts are known about the childs' past (both social and genetic (i.e. does it run in the family?)).

Can It be Treated?

Yes it can.

The most common forms of treatment are medication (ritalin, pemoline) and behaviour therapy. Although family therapy and group therapy may also be used.

It is usually also important for schools to adopt a new teaching plan for the child (e.g. remedial teaching), and for both parents and teachers to be able to draw on both support and advice. This can be via a number of people, for example a doctor, paediatrician, child psychiatrist, child psychologist, childrens' nurse, or child social worker.

Usually if the symptoms haven't stopped before, they stop around the time the child goes through puberty, but occasionally in severe cases, they can continue well into adulthood.

We are creating a SimplePsych factsheet on Hyperactivity which goes into more detail while still using easy to understand English. If you would be interested at this service being offered to you please let us know by emailing us Click Here

Thank you.

* RECOMMENDED BOOKS *

If you are interested in going into even more depth, the following book(s), sold by Amazon.co.uk, are recommended by us. Each is followed by a rating for ease of reading (1-3).

1=Simple and Easy to comprehend.
2=More Complex but still a good read.
3=Very Complex, only for professionals/those studying to degree level.

Hyperactivity - What's The Alternative? (Jones)

RATING SCORE = 1 Up-to-date and cheap! Suited for a wide range of ages, we like this a lot.

To return to the mainpage click here

OR Click Back on your Browser to return to the Previous Page.