The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that a patient with hyperactivity has too much muscle activity, resulting in symptoms like fidgeting, inability to do quiet activities and being overly talkative. These symptoms can interfere in the patient's productivity at school or work. Hyperactivity can be a part of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in which the patient also has inattention and impulsive behaviors. Treatment focuses on getting the hyperactive behavior under control with medication and different therapies.
Medication
Experts at the Mayo Clinic state that stimulants and nonstimulants are the most used medications for hyperactivity and other ADHD symptoms. Stimulants and nonstimulants reduce the severity of the symptoms, allowing the patient to function normally. These medications last for only a few hours. Stimulants, like methylphenidate, have a short-acting version that lasts four hours, and a long-acting version that lasts between six and 12 hours. Nonstimulants, like atomoxetine, last longer and only need to be taken once or twice a day. Medication does not cure the hyperactivity symptoms, and are often combined with a type of therapy that teaches the patient how to control his symptoms on his own.
Parent Training
If the hyperactive patient is a child, she may benefit from parent training. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains that the parent training teaches the parents different skills for dealing with the hyperactivity symptoms. For example, the parents learn how to implement a rewards system for appropriate behaviors, use positive feedback and reduce the patient's distractions. The parents can also create a schedule that the patient has to stick to every day. The patient then learns how to use these coping strategies on her own.
Thought-Operated Computer System
Science Daily reports that a new system, Play Attention, uses electroencephalography (EEG) to treat hyperactivity. While using the program, the patient wears a helmet that detects brain activity. The practitioner can then monitor when the patient's is no longer focusing on the program. The goal of the program is to reduce inappropriate behaviors and help the patient control his actions. The thought-operated computer system can also help with the other symptoms of ADHD.
