Hyperactivity: Causes, Treatment & Help

Hyperactivity can have various causes. These are usually included in the choice of appropriate treatment.

What is hyperactivity?

Often, hyperactivity in children is accompanied by concentration problems; this is the case, for example, in the presence of the so-called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The term hyperactivity is derived from the Greek or Latin words for excessive and act. Thus, hyperactivity refers to overactive behavior in people that they usually cannot adequately control. Hyperactivity often affects children (boys more often than girls). In medicine, hyperactivity is defined as a symptom that can be associated with various mental or even physical illnesses. Not every child who has a pronounced urge to move is automatically hyperactive; hyperactivity in the narrower sense is a medical diagnosis. Hyperactivity in children is often accompanied by concentration problems; this is the case, for example, in the presence of so-called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although hyperactive children are, among other things, easily distracted and often behave restlessly at school, for example, their intelligence is usually no lower than that of children who do not suffer from hyperactivity.

Causes

It is not always possible to clearly determine the causes of a present hyperactivity. Hyperactivity can be caused, for example, by mental illnesses such as depression or autism (a developmental disorder that manifests itself, among other things, through limited interpersonal communication and stereotyped behavior). Physical illnesses can also lead to hyperactivity in those affected. These diseases include hyperthyroidism or the so-called Angelman syndrome – while hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid gland, Angelman syndrome is caused by a congenital gene mutation.

Diseases with this symptom

  • Autism
  • Asperger’s syndrome
  • Affective disorders
  • Angelman syndrome
  • ADHD
  • Hyperthyroidism

Diagnosis and course

The diagnosis of hyperactivity is not always easy to make, because the boundaries between active and in the medical sense hyperactive child are often blurred. Specialists make a corresponding diagnosis on the level of behavioral observations and descriptions of the caregivers, among other things, as well as on the basis of results of various psychological test procedures. If there is a suspicion of physical illness as the cause of hyperactivity, this can be checked by medical tests. Hyperactivity must be distinguished from a merely high urge to move, as caused, for example, by complaints such as restless legs syndrome (a neurological disorder). Hyperactivity can manifest itself in affected individuals as early as infancy or toddlerhood; hyperactive toddlers, for example, tend to show a relatively low awareness of danger while being highly eager to experiment. Hyperactivity that is not caused by a physical illness often subsides or disappears with the onset of puberty. In some cases, however, affected individuals still suffer from occasional hyperactivity in adulthood.

Complications

Hyperactivity is usually diagnosed as part of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children and adolescents. In kindergarten, those affected usually already show difficulty concentrating on one activity. Children often also show a delay in language development, so that communication is impaired. At school, affected children usually have problems following lessons; they are overwhelmed by the demands for quiet and concentration. Accordingly, performance at school is significantly impaired. In addition to the individual school subjects, fine motor skills are also usually disturbed, resulting in unclean handwriting. In addition, there may be an impairment of social life, since the affected persons are usually also conspicuous for their aggressiveness. The social isolation leads to the development of psychological problems in the following years up to adulthood. Due to the constant restlessness, those affected tend to lead a risky lifestyle.This increases the likelihood that the person will turn to alcohol and other drugs during adolescence. Addiction problems can progress into adulthood. Affected individuals have a tendency to develop depression and delinquency. The difficulty in concentrating severely limits the adult’s life at work and in the family as well. Everyday life seems unstructured and totally haphazard. The impulsiveness can also affect the partner. Due to raving fits of the affected person, the partner can be hurt by this and the partnership can be shattered.

When should one go to the doctor?

A weak hyperactivity is not easy to recognize. Most often it involves children, but adults can also be affected, for example, after taking new medication. Anyone who feels their children are more restless than others should take them to a pediatrician or family doctor. Adults who are ready to face the diagnosis go to the family doctor first. Temperament and energy are different things than hyperactivity. A lively child may just be underchallenged or need more fresh air to let off steam. The doctor diagnoses hyperactivity based on typical parameters. If you are unsure whether you should see a doctor, first ask people around you. In the case of children, it is helpful to talk to kindergarten teachers or teachers. For adults, tact is required. Other people will certainly notice that the person concerned has changed. A good family doctor takes a close look at his patient – whom he has known for years in the best case – before referring him to specialists. If specialists quickly determine hyperactivity and immediately administer heavy medication, caution is indicated, especially in this area. A thorough examination has priority. On the other hand, the following applies: no over-the-counter medication should be taken without medical advice.

Treatment and therapy

Treatment of hyperactivity depends, among other things, on the underlying factors. In cases of hyperactivity caused by a physical illness, the treatment goal is usually first to treat the underlying condition. Often, successful control of the underlying disease can also have a positive effect on the hyperactivity that occurs. If hyperactivity occurs in the context of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the need for treatment is usually first examined. If appropriate treatment is to be given, the treatment plan is usually individually tailored to the patient concerned. The therapy of hyperactivity in the context of ADHD usually includes various aspects: If children or adolescents are affected, not only the adolescents but also caregivers (such as teachers) are usually informed about the basic features of the disorder and possible ways of dealing with it. Special training can make it easier for caregivers to deal with hyperactivity. In the context of psychotherapeutic measures, an affected person can also learn to better control or redirect hyperactivity. Finally, in severe or moderately severe cases, medication against hyperactivity can be used as a further therapy component. Corresponding medications usually act on metabolic processes of the brain.

Outlook and prognosis

As a rule, mainly children are affected by hyperactivity, however, adults can also suffer from this symptom. Hyperactivity is characterized mainly by disturbances in concentration. Affected people cannot concentrate at work or school and show low performance. It is therefore relatively difficult for people with hyperactivity to lead a regular daily life and to visit a job regularly. It is relatively common for people to become ill with hyperactivity and for it to disappear again on its own, even without treatment. Whether this case actually occurs depends strongly on the social environment of the affected person and his or her general mental and physical condition. People who have had hyperactivity since birth usually cannot be completely cured. The symptom is often treated with medication, which does not solve the problem completely, but only curbs the hyperactivity. These medications have to be taken again and again in order to be able to lead an ordinary everyday life.The further part of the treatment proceeds psychologically and is mainly directed at the causes of hyperactivity, if it is not genetic or caused by harmful substances. Whether treatment of hyperactivity leads to success cannot be universally predicted.

Prevention

Because the causes of hyperactivity cannot always be clearly defined, prevention is almost impossible. However, if symptoms of hyperactivity appear, an early visit to the doctor can contribute to the early start of medical and/or psychological measures. In this way, an aggravation of symptoms and/or emerging social problems due to hyperactivity can be prevented.

What you can do yourself

Since sugar consumption may promote hyperactivity, a diet low in sugar is worth trying. Especially sweets, sweet pastries and sugary drinks are reduced. Beyond that, a healthy and balanced diet also seems to have a positive effect on the internal state of agitation. Clear structures are very important in everyday life with hyperactivity. This includes fixed times for sleeping and getting up, regular meals and regular activities. In the evening in particular, bedtime rituals can help to calm down before sleep. This applies not only to hyperactive children, but also to adults. Especially when sleeping, a low-stimulus environment can be beneficial. Other people living in the same household can contribute to this structuring. However, especially with adolescents and adults, it is often useful to set limits so that the affected person does not feel patronized or other people take advantage of the situation to disproportionately control the affected person. Relaxation techniques also contribute to self-help. Autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness train inner perception, reduce physical and psychological tension, and promote the ability to reflect.