What is hyperactivity?
Hyperactivity is not an invention of modern child and adolescent psychology, but a real mental disorder that can place a heavy burden on affected children as well as their parents and caregivers. There have always been children with behavioral problems or who are difficult to control – in the past they were simply considered ill-mannered. Only with the recognition of ADHD (attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder), often also called Zappelphilipp 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 being 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 varied stimuli seems to promote 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 and less so in others. The only thing considered certain is that ADHD is genetically determined and is not caused by upbringing. Experts currently assume that dysfunctions 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 refers to an attention deficit without hyperactivity. The so-called hypoactive children are considered creative and very emotional and are much calmer motorically than hyperactive children. They can concentrate very well on things that interest them, but in everyday life they appear scattered, fussy, and distracted.
What symptoms indicate hyperactivity in children?
No child is the same as another, and this also applies to hyperactivity. The attention disorder can vary in intensity and present with different symptoms from child to child. Three main symptoms are considered characteristic of ADHD:
Hyperactivity
Your child fidgets around, cannot sit or stand still
Your child talks nonstop and interrupts others
Your child walks, runs, and climbs everywhere (even in inappropriate situations)
Your child constantly plays with their hands or 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 on task while playing and does not finish tasks
Impulsivity
Your child often pushes ahead 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 fickle and quickly loses interest in games and tasks
What to do if ADHD is suspected?
Early signs: In many children, abnormalities become apparent already in kindergarten age. Parents and caregivers usually notice the children's restlessness or a tendency to 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 is truly suffering from ADHD.
Specialist diagnosis: The first point of contact should be the pediatrician. They can, if necessary, refer your child to a child psychologist and will probably 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 a comprehensive interview with the parents and behavioral observations of the child in its daily environment can also be used for diagnosis.
Forms of therapy: Based on the diagnosis, an individual therapy plan should be developed. Often behavioral therapy for the child and parents already leads to a noticeable improvement in the situation. As part of a multimodal therapy, so-called stimulants are also prescribed, which help reduce behavioral problems.
