Hyperactivity disorder, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as it is sometimes called, is a common mental disorder in children, explains the National Institute of Mental Health. Children with the disorder exhibit impulsive behavior, inability to concentrate or pay attention and difficulty sitting still. A diagnosis of ADHD requires the behavior to have been present for at least six months.
Impulsiveness
Mental health professionals describe behavior that is executed without regard to the consequences of the action as impulsive. The Mayo Clinic explains that children who act impulsively often blurt out answers before questions have been completed, have difficulty waiting for their turn or frequently interrupt others. A review in "Current Opinions in Psychiatry" points out that other impulsive behaviors children may exhibit include picking fights with others, hitting other children or running into danger. In adulthood, impulsive behavior is linked to criminal activity and substance abuse.
Inattention
Children who are easily distracted, have difficulty planning out and finishing tasks, frequently lose needed items, and make careless mistakes are exhibiting inattentive behavior. Inattention can make it difficult for children to do well in school, and contributes to low self-esteem and troubled relationships with friends, explains the Mayo Clinic.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is evident in children who fidget, seem always on the go or have difficulty sitting still, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Mayo Clinic adds that children who are hyperactive may run and climb excessively, despite the appropriateness of the situation. Adolescents suffering from hyperactivity may feel restless.
Treatment
Fortunately for parents of children with ADHD, there are several treatment options available. Many treatment plans consist of counseling for the child and family, and pharmaceutical therapy to treat the child's unwanted behaviors, explains the Mayo Clinic. The drugs used to treat ADHD include the stimulant drugs methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and combination dextroamphetamine-amphetamine; in some cases, the non-stimulant drug atomoxetine is used. Additionally, some studies have shown that changes in diet can play an important part in behavior modification. Information provided by the Mayo Clinic suggests that families consider the effects of certain foods and food additives on child behavior when making a decision about ADHD treatment.
References
- National Institutes of Mental Health: ADHD
- The Mayo Clinic: Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children
- "Current Opinion in Psychiatry"; The neuropsychiatry of impulsivity; Samuel R. Chamberlain and Barbara J. Sahakian; May 2007
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: ADHD
- The Mayo Clinic: ADHD Diet
