Hyperactivity

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Central nervous system

Activity - increased; Hyperkinetic behavior

A child who is normally very active often responds well to specific directions and a program of regular physical activity. A child with a hyperactivity disorder, on the other hand, has a hard time following directions and controlling impulses.

• Your child seems persistently hyperactive.
• Your child is very active, aggressive, impulsive, and has difficulty concentrating.
• Your child's activity level is causing social difficulties, or difficulty with schoolwork.

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The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. There may also be a review of the home and school environments.

Medical history questions documenting hyperactivity in detail may include:

• Is this a new behavior for the child, or has the child always been very active?
• Is the behavior getting worse?
• Exactly what behavior have you noticed?
• Is the child physically active?
• Is the child easily distracted?
• Does the child have trouble following directions?
• Have you noticed anything that makes the child more or less active?
• Is the child more active at school than at home?
• What other symptoms are present?

The provider may recommend a thorough psychological evaluation.

Review Date: 04/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).