Hyperactivity in children: what is it and how to deal with it

Many parents often complain to doctors about the increased activity of their children. Of course, all kids are active, but sometimes it goes beyond all limits. Children become problematic, cannot concentrate, are restless and inattentive. Most of these babies are diagnosed with hyperactivity disorder.

Hyperactivity syndrome in children

Back in the 60s of the 20th century, doctors believed that hyperactivity was a pathological condition caused by a minimal disorder of brain function. But already in the 80s, this disease began to be classified separately from others. It is currently referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is very difficult for such children to process information, learn, and generally control their actions.

Quite often, ordinary children are called hyperactive only because they are too playful, uncontrollable and do not obey their parents. But this is wrong. Perhaps it’s not the child’s hyperactivity, but his vagaries, or the baby is simply protesting against the actions of parents or other people. What are the symptoms of ADHD? We'll talk about this later.

Symptoms of hyperactivity

Most parents believe that the main symptom of ADHD is excessive physical activity. But that's not true. It is based on a defect of attention. For example, children suffering from hyperactivity are constantly distracted by any noise and movement, they are often hot-tempered, irritable, that is, in society they are called emotionally unstable.

The first symptoms of a child's hyperactivity may appear at an early age. For example, babies have increased muscle tone, they react sharply to light, light noise, often cry, and find it difficult to calm down.

If at such an early age the symptoms of ADHD are subtle and more like the child being capricious, then at 3-4 years old, children suffering from hyperactivity cannot concentrate for a long time. This is not only about reluctance to eat, etc. Such kids cannot play for a long time, listen to a fairy tale, or absorb information. That is, all their activities are chaotic.

At the age of 6-7 years, the peak manifestation of hyperactivity syndrome is observed. The child becomes impatient, engages in several activities at the same time and does not complete any of them, and becomes restless. These symptoms become more noticeable as the child is required to sit in class, behave calmly in a museum, on public transport, etc.

Characteristic symptoms of child hyperactivity syndrome are:

• Inability to just sit. The baby constantly squirms, touches everything, and behaves restlessly.
• Distracted by any noise or extraneous stimuli. He may start doing something else without finishing the previous one.
• Does not want to comply with any requirements regarding discipline in public places.
• Answers questions meaninglessly, without thinking about what is said, does not know how to listen to the interlocutor.
• Refuses to eat normally.
• Often loses personal items.
• During games, he shows aggression and tries to interfere in the conversations of adults or the games of other children.

If a child experiences the symptoms described above for six months, parents should consult a pediatric neurologist.

Treatment of hyperactivity in children

To achieve success during the treatment of hyperactivity in children, efforts must be made not only by parents, but also by teachers, psychologists and psychiatrists. Considering the fact that such children have difficulty learning, sometimes a separate approach is necessary - training according to an individual program.

It must be remembered that results will be noticeable only if both neuropsychological correction and behavioral therapy are carried out simultaneously. Specialists develop separate programs for each child, taking into account his characteristics, but the main goal remains the same - developing the habit of discipline. At the same time, it is important to properly encourage the child’s achievements and not scold for failures.

Parents must understand that in addition to the prescriptions and recommendations of doctors, it is necessary to follow the rules of behavior with the child. Communication should be calm, consistent and kind. Stress is strictly contraindicated for the baby. Therefore, parents should monitor the child’s daily routine, diet and activity, since overwork also negatively affects the results of treatment. It is advisable to spend a lot of time outdoors.

If the above methods of dealing with a child’s hyperactivity do not help, the psychiatrist may decide to switch to drug treatment. We are talking about the prescription of psychotropic drugs. Although this method of treatment is used very rarely, there are cases when it simply cannot be avoided. If the child’s disease is not advanced, the doctor prescribes drugs to improve blood circulation and trophism of nervous tissue (nootropics).

Traditional methods of treatment are also very effective. For example, infusions of chamomile, angelica, lavender flowers and hop cones are often used as a sedative. There are also special herbal preparations. But it is absolutely impossible to treat a child with them yourself. It is better to consult a doctor.