Hyperactivity can be a symptom of numerous conditions. However, this behaviour is often confused with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Knowing the specific issue is necessary for the treatment to be effective. So, what makes you hyperactive? Learn more in this article about the common causes of hyperactivity, the diagnosis of the condition, and the treatment options.
What is Hyperactivity?
Hyperactivity is a condition of being unusually active. Teachers, employers, and parents usually have trouble managing people with hyperactivity.
If you have this condition, you might become anxious or discouraged due to your hyperactivity and how individuals respond.
Common attributes of hyperactivity incorporate:
- impulsive behaviours
- aggressive behaviours
- constant movements
- being easily distracted
In addition, a person who struggles to concentrate may develop other issues. For instance, it might:
- lead to difficulties at school or work
- lead to accidents and injuries
- strain relationships with loved ones
- increase the danger of alcohol and drug abuse
Most of the time, hyperactivity is a side effect of an underlying physical or mental health condition. In fact, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the main conditions associated with hyperactivity.
A person with ADHD may demonstrate impulsive and inattentive behaviour. This condition is often diagnosed at a young age. However, some individuals might be first diagnosed as adults.
In any case, hyperactivity is treatable. Early detection and treatment are crucial to having successful outcomes.
What Are The Causes of Hyperactivity?
Hyperactivity can occur because of mental or physical conditions. For instance, conditions that influence your nervous system or thyroid might add to it. Other common causes include:
Environmental Conditions
The National Institute of Mental Health stated that various situational factors in one’s environment can cause issues that may appear to be like ADHD. This may incorporate when there is a great deal of stress or a sudden life change, such as:
- a new school or a new home
- a divorce or change in a family arrangement
- financial difficulties
- a death of someone close
- or even the birth of a new baby
Furthermore, other environmental factors that can affect a person’s emotional and mental well-being include:
- parental or marital conflict
- a chaotic or neglectful home environment
- being bullied
- inconsistent parental discipline
- witnessing or experiencing violence or abuse
- lack of sleep
These things can affect a person’s health and lead to issues with hyperactivity, distraction, restlessness and acting out behaviours that can look like ADHD but have nothing to do with it.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) And Other Learning and Processing Issues
A person with ADHD or other forms of learning disabilities might struggle with issues of concentration and experience difficulty processing, remembering, organizing, and learning information. Learning disabilities in written language, reading, and mathematics would all be able to meddle with academic functioning. In fact, the issue is also similar to people with auditory and visual processing disorders and speech and language impairments.
ADHD and some learning disorders regularly arise together, yet they are different conditions. However, even a gifted child may also display behaviours similar to ADHD, especially when they become bored with their curriculum. In addition, ineffective classroom management, a poor educational fit, or a classroom with a hostile climate can cause behaviour that resembles but might be irrelevant to ADHD.
Mental Health Issues
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety and depression can cause hyperactivity, restlessness, impulsive reactions, and an inability to concentrate like what you have in Groat’s disease. This can also affect sleep patterns and make it very difficult for a kid or adult to stay still and remain focused and complete tasks. Generally, these manifestations can appear to be ADHD but might be unrelated.
Similarly, other mental health disorders like bipolar disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder can all display behaviours that might be confused with ADHD symptoms.
Medical Conditions
Some health conditions can cause a person to display issues with attention and become irritable or hyperactive. These include:
- thyroid disease
- seizures
- iron-deficiency anemia
- allergies
- chronic ear infections
- hearing and vision impairments
In addition, certain medications can even cause ADHD-like behaviour.
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperactivity
Kids with hyperactivity might experience difficulty concentrating in school. They may likewise show impulsive behaviours, for example:
- blurting things out
- trouble staying in their seat
- talking out of turn
- hitting other students
Adults with hyperactivity may encounter:
- difficulty concentrating at work
- short attention span
- trouble remembering names, numbers, or bits of information
If you are upset about having hyperactivity, you might develop depression or anxiety. In fact, much of the time, adults who have hyperactivity showed indications of it as children.
How To Diagnose Hyperactivity?
It is essential to talk to a doctor if you or your child is experiencing hyperactivity. A doctor will get some information about symptoms, including when they started. They will also ask about recent changes in your health and any medicines you might be taking.
Addressing these inquiries will help your doctor identify the form of the hyperactivity you encounter. It will help them determine if your hyperactivity is because of medications or a new or existing condition.
Likewise, your doctor may take a urine or blood test to examine your hormone levels. Any hormonal imbalances may cause hyperactivity, such as a thyroid hormone imbalance. Getting a proper diagnosis is crucial to effectively treat your condition.
How To Treat Hyperactivity?
If your hyperactivity is due to an underlying physical condition, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat the issue.
In any case, hyperactivity may also happen because of a mental health condition. If that is the case, your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional. This professional may recommend some medication, therapy, or both.
Therapy
Talk therapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) are common approaches to treat hyperactivity. Talk therapy includes discussing your symptoms with a therapist. In contrast, behavioural therapy intends to change your thinking and behaviour patterns. The therapist will work with you to develop strategies to help you cope with hyperactivity and reduce its effects.
Medication
You might have to take medicines to help control hyperactivity. These drugs might be recommended to young and older patients. In fact, this type of medication has a calming effect on individuals with ADHD.
Commonly prescribed medications to treat hyperactivity include:
- dextroamphetamine (Dextrostat, Dexedrine)
- amphetamine (Adderall)
- dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
- methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
Some of these drugs might be habit-forming whenever misused. Your doctor or mental health professional will monitor your medication use.
In addition, your doctor may likewise encourage you to keep away from stimulants that might trigger ADHD symptoms. For instance, they may urge you to avoid nicotine and caffeine.
Getting a Professional Help
Hyperactivity may disrupt your schooling, work, and personal relationships. That is why getting professional help is essential to address the issue as soon as possible. Also, hyperactivity can be a sign of an unknown condition that needs treatment.
So, if you or your child is encountering hyperactivity, talk to a doctor. Treatment may depend on the underlying condition. This may include medication, therapy, or using both. Your doctor may also refer you to another specialist if necessary.
Furthermore, keep in mind that getting treatment is essential to help you control hyperactivity and limit its effects on your life.
References:
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/index.html
Mental disorders.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders
Overview – Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Depression and anxiety: Can I have both?
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