Hyperactivity, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as it is commonly referred to, is often first noticed in childhood. The main symptoms of hyperactivity include inattention, impulsivity and excessive activity. These symptoms can certainly surpass the childhood years and manifest themselves in teens and adults.
Inattention includes difficulty with being able to focus and organize, as well as inability to remember what is being presented or studied. A person with inattentive signs of hyperactivity finds it difficult to get started on tasks or to complete them. Monotonous tasks are especially difficult for those who suffer from inattention, but those tasks which are difficult and challenging might also be troublesome.
Impulsivity, another of the common symptoms of hyperactivity, causes those affected to speak or act before thinking a situation through. This symptom prevents a person from making wise decisions or solving problems effectively. It can also affect a person’s ability to create and maintain personal relationships, retain a job or spend money wisely.
A high level of physical activity, or hyperactivity itself, causes those who possess the behavior to talk a lot, squirm or fidget frequently, and have difficulty with activities that tend to be quiet or sedate. This excessive activity level often causes problems when children with signs of hyperactivity try to interact with children of an average activity level.
Because preschool aged children are likely to be inattentive and have a high activity level, it is difficult to diagnose hyperactivity at this age. With school aged children it is a little easier to discern problems because the symptoms of hyperactivity often interfere with schoolwork and social skills. Some common indicators of hyperactivity in a school aged child include or more of the following: issues with self-esteem, problems with grades or low test scores, a lack of organizational and study abilities, and socialization issues.
With teens, symptoms of hyperactivity are less likely to be disruptive. Stresses such as changing schools or beginning college might exacerbate hyperactivity symptoms in teens and young adults. Children and teens that are identified as hyperactive are often labeled as less mature than their peers. Adults with hyperactivity might be likely to have difficulty maintaining a job or relationships.
The diagnosis of hyperactivity is often made after a compilation of screenings, including a medical history, interview with the patient, physical examination and a behavioral screening, most often completed by the parents and teachers. Because there are other conditions that share the symptoms of hyperactivity, it is important for professionals to consider all the factors. Children who are gifted, undernourished or abused or neglected may exhibit symptoms similar to those related to hyperactivity. Other medical conditions, such as conduct disorder, depression and anxiety, as well as autism can produce similar symptoms.
It's crucial to emphasize that an accurate assessment and diagnosis, often achieved through ADHD testing, are essential for distinguishing between typical hyperactivity and hyperactivity as a symptom of an underlying condition. By gaining a deeper understanding of these symptoms and the role they play in conditions like ADHD, we can promote early intervention, support, and tailored treatment plans that empower individuals to effectively manage their hyperactivity and thrive in their unique journeys.