Hyperactivity is a concept we hear a lot. Many mothers whose children are very naughty, say “My child is hyperactive”. However, hyperactivity does not only mean that a child is active. International Hospital Specialist Psychologist Ferahim Yeşilyurt talks about the hyperactivity seen in approximately 3-6 percent of the society.
What is Hyperactivity Syndrome?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder characterized by hyperactivity, short attention span and impulsiveness (insufficient impulse control). It is a chronic disorder that starts in pre-school childhood and can progress with different findings in adult life.
Many of these children are described as cranky, restless, and difficult babies. In the first few months of life, hyperactivity, eating, and sleeping disorders can be seen. It is said that few people require constant care because they are very active and agile when they are in their infancy or when they start walking. The symptoms attract more attention for most children when they begin kindergarten or primary school. Failure at school, lack of attention, not following the rules in the classroom, aggressive behaviours, and difficulties in anger control lead the family to seek treatment.
Who is It Seen in? Is There a Difference in the Incidence of Boys and Girls?
ADHD is observed in approximately 3-6% of society. It is about 3 times more common in boys than girls.
What are the Causes?
Although no definite proven cause for the disorder can be shown, some factors are emphasized. Some possible causes are:
- Genetic causes
- Brain damage
- Neurotransmitters
- Food and additives
- Psychosocial factors
Does the Behavior of the Family Have an Effect?
Watching a lot of television, authoritarian attitudes of the family, etc. factors such as do not cause the disorder. However, some discipline problems within the family can increase the problem.
What are the Symptoms? How is the Diagnosis Made?
Attention Deficit Symptoms
- Inability to pay attention to details, making frequent mistakes due to carelessness at school, at work, at home,
- Inability to maintain attention even in his work, hobbies or the game he likes,
- Do not seem to listen to what is said to him,
- Not being able to fulfil the duties that should be done at school or home due to the inability to evaluate the teachings and expectations,
- Difficulty and disorganization in organizing tasks and activities,
- Avoiding work and tasks that require mental function at home and at school,
- Easily distracted by external stimuli,
- Frequent forgetfulness in daily activities,
- Constantly losing the tools and equipment required for tasks and activities.
Hyperactivity Symptoms
- Hands and feet are constantly moving, it is difficult to keep calm and still.
- Can’t sit in the classroom or at the desk, can’t stand in situations where he has to sit and stay in place.
- Moves without stopping or climbs on things,
- He cannot keep himself busy.
- It is constantly moving as if there is a non-stop engine inside,
- He talks too much.
How is Hyperactivity Diagnosed?
For diagnosis, the observed symptoms should be observed in two environments such as home and school. For the diagnosis of hyperactivity, they must have shown 6 or more of these symptoms for at least 6 months, appear before the age of 7, have impairments in 2 or more settings, and have significant impairments in social, academic or professional activities.
Does Every Hyperactive Child Have Distraction?
There are three important symptom groups in the disorder.
- Hyperactivity
- Lack of attention
- Internal impulse attacks
Teachers mostly complain about school failure. Three interrelated forms of the disorder are described. It can manifest itself as a lifelong attention disorder alone, without hyperactivity and aggressive behaviour, in which attention deficit is evident.
The family and the teacher’s complaints are mostly about the child’s behaviour, in which hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour are evident. Outbursts of anger, inability to control emotions and excitement, and aggressive behaviour draw attention.
In cases where both attention deficit and hyperactivity and aggressive behaviour coexist, the child’s life and environment are affected in many areas, and the disorder continues for a much longer time.
What are the Ways Followed in the Treatment of ADHD?
There is no simple cure. Many specialists are required to be involved in the treatment. General treatment options include:
- Medical treatment
- Parent education
- Counseling and training such as Behavior Modeling, Self-Suggestion and Self-Reward
- Special education environment
- Dietary practices
What Kind of Consequences Does ADHD Have for the Child If Untreated?
If left untreated, its symptoms negatively affect almost every aspect of the child’s education and life, leading to intense mental, social and school problems.
In the past, it was believed in the public and medical circles that ADHD spontaneously diminishes with age and improves during adolescence. However, in recent follow-up studies, it has been seen that this is not true, and the course of this disorder shows different courses in different people.
Hyperactivity decreases with age, but inattention and impulse control problems can be permanent. Usually, the first to disappear is hyperactivity, and the last to disappear is attention deficit. It is seen that the symptoms disappear spontaneously in time in 1/3 of the children. In 1/3 of them, it is seen that the symptoms continue in adults with various emotional and social difficulties. About 1/3 of them are the less fortunate group. People in this group have other problems in addition to the symptoms. For example, alcoholism, and substance abuse.
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