First Lady Michelle Obama shares tips on parenting with moms and other audience members in a WebMD Town Hall meeting in Miami, Florida.
ADHD and Hyperactivity
Topic Overview
Hyperactivity refers to inappropriate or excessive activity for a person's age or situation. Hyperactivity is not always a continuous behavior, as is often assumed. A person who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with hyperactivity as the main symptom may only sometimes be overactive. If a person has the primarily inattentive type of ADHD, he or she may even seem less active than normal.
Children may have more obvious symptoms of hyperactivity than teens and adults. Children whose main symptom is hyperactivity seem to be "on the go" much of the time or act as if "driven by a motor." Behavior may range from subtle to extreme. For example, a child may squirm in his or her chair at times, and then at other times be completely unable to stay seated. Children with hyperactivity also frequently climb and run around when it is not appropriate.
When to Call the Doctor About ADHD
Many parents watch as their child struggles with sitting still, being attentive, and remembering important events. Parents may wonder whether the very active child has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and if it's time to call the doctor about ADHD. A child, teenager, or adult with ADHD symptoms should always see a professional. That way he or she can get the needed assistance to lead a productive and satisfying life. If your child or someone you love is having problems with inattention,...
Read the When to Call the Doctor About ADHD article > >
Hyperactivity may be less obvious as people with ADHD mature, but they usually still struggle with symptoms. For example, teens and adults may be fidgety. Some adults say they feel restless even when they do not show it.
Some symptoms are common in all age groups, such as talking excessively or having difficulty doing quiet activities.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
April 12, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Parenting and Family Highlights
ADHD and Hyperactivity
Top 12 Health Topics-
1.
-
2.
-
3.
-
4.
-
5.
-
6.
-
7.
-
8.
-
9.
-
10.
-
11.
-
12.
Top 12 Videos-
1.
-
2.
-
3.
-
4.
-
5.
-
6.
-
7.
-
8.
-
9.
-
10.
-
11.
-
12.
Hot Topics
- Which Drugstore Tooth Whiteners Work Best?
- Kids' Top 6 Worries and How to Fix Them
- Surprising Headache Triggers
- Safe Ways to Lose Weight Fast
- Counting Carbs When You Use Insulin
- Fibromyalgia: Symptoms and Treatments
- CML: How It Affects Your Body
- 6 Sex Mistakes Men Make
- Dupuytren's Contracture: What You Need to Know
- Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
WebMD Video: Now Playing
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Advertise With Us|WebMD Corporate|Medscape Reference|eMedicineHealth|RxList|Medscape|MedicineNet|BootsWebMD
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.