What is hyperactivity?
Hyperactivity is not an invention of modern child and adolescent psychology, but a real mental disorder that can heavily burden the affected children, as well as their parents and caregivers. There have always been behaviorally conspicuous or difficult-to-control children – in the past these were simply considered ill-behaved. Only with the recognition of ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder), often also called the fidgety Philip syndrome, has awareness of this disorder grown.
Facts about hyperactivity: About three times as many boys as girls are considered hyperactive, with parents of boys apparently more likely to consult a specialist for a diagnosis. Overall, it is estimated that around 10 % of all children in Germany suffer from at least a mild form of hyperactivity. The increasingly hectic environment with ever stronger and more diverse stimuli seems to favor this development.
How is hyperactivity caused? Researchers cannot say exactly what triggers the hyperactivity disorder, nor is it known why it is more pronounced in some children than in others. The only certainty is that ADHD has a genetic basis and is not caused by upbringing. Currently experts assume that functional disorders in the brain are responsible for the development of ADHD.
ADHD vs. ADD: An attention disorder does not necessarily have to be accompanied by hyperactivity. The diagnosis ADD denotes an attention deficit without hyperactivity. The so-called hypoactive children are considered creative and very emotional and are motorically much calmer than hyperactive children. They can concentrate very well on things that interest them, but in everyday life they appear distracted, fussy and absent-minded.
Which symptoms indicate hyperactivity in children?
No child is like another, and this also applies to hyperactivity. The attention disorder can vary in severity and symptoms from child to child. Three main symptoms are considered characteristic of ADHD:
Hyperactivity
Your child fidgets, cannot sit or stand still
Your child talks continuously and interrupts others
Your child walks, runs and climbs everywhere (even in inappropriate situations)
Your child constantly plays with their hands, with objects, taps and bounces their feet, etc.
Inattention
Your child cannot concentrate on one thing or person
Your child is easily distracted
Your child is forgetful or absent-minded
Your child does not stay engaged in play and does not complete tasks
Impulsivity
Your child often pushes in or answers before a question has been completed
Your child is impatient and often acts without thinking
Your child interrupts other children and adults during play or conversation
Your child is flighty and quickly loses interest in games and tasks
What should be done if ADHD is suspected?
Early signs: In many children, abnormalities become apparent as early as kindergarten age. Parents and educators usually notice the children's restlessness or a tendency to temper tantrums. However, you should refrain from a quick diagnosis: only through careful observation over a longer period can it be determined whether it is a temporary developmental disorder or whether a child really suffers from ADHD.
Specialist diagnosis: The first point of contact should be the pediatrician. He can, if necessary, refer your child to a child psychologist and will likely be able to help you with tips and recommendations. Depending on the individual case, various physical and neurological examinations will then take place. Psychological tests as well as comprehensive interviews with the parents and behavioral observations of the child in its daily environment can also be used for diagnosis.
Treatment options: Based on the diagnosis, an individual therapy plan should be developed. Often, behavioral therapy for the child and parents alone leads to a noticeable improvement of the situation. As part of a multimodal therapy, so-called stimulants are also prescribed, which help to reduce behavioral abnormalities.
