Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is a behavior in which a person is excessively or constantly active. Hyperactivity can be a symptom of a variety of conditions, including excessive caffeine intake, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHA), stimulant drug use and hyperthyroidism.

A frequent cause of hyperactivity is ADHD, a common neurobehavioral developmental disorder. ADHD is sometimes referred to as hyperactivity or hyper. Other symptoms that occur with ADHD include problems with inattention and impulsivity. These behaviors coupled with hyperactivity can result in further symptoms and complications, such as difficulties with school and work and in relationships.

Hyperactivity caused by hyperthyroidism is caused by a variety of thyroid disorders that overstimulate the thyroid gland and increase production of thyroid hormone. Increased production of thyroid hormone results in a stimulation or quickening of the body's metabolism. This results in additional symptoms, such as nervousness, anxiety and hypertension. Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications.

Stimulant drug use can also cause hyperactivity. Stimulant drugs include certain diet pills, and foods, beverages and supplements that contain caffeine. Overuse of stimulants can also result in hyperactivity and other symptoms, such as insomnia, diarrhea and nervousness. Complications are also possible. In some sensitive people, even moderate use of stimulants can result in hyperactivity and other symptoms and complications. For more information about complications and symptoms of hyperactivity, refer to symptoms of hyperactivity.

Making a diagnosis of hyperactivity and its underlying cause begins with taking a thorough medical history, including symptoms, and completing a physical examination.

A variety of tests may be done to help determine the underlying cause of hyperactivity. Blood tests include tests that determine levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and the thyroid hormone thyroxine. Low levels of TSH and high levels of thyroxine indicate hyperthyroidism. If hyperthyroidism is present, other tests are done to determine the underlying cause, such as Graves' disease or thyroid nodules.

Other tests may be performed to check for potential complications of hyperthyroidism, such as heart disease. These can include blood tests that can reveal hypercholesterolemia, increased liver enzymes, or anemia. A chest X-ray may be done to evaluate the size of the heart.

There is no single test that is used to diagnose ADHD, and a diagnosis of the disorder is based partly on symptoms. Only a full evaluation by a licensed health care professional can truly diagnose or rule out ADHD. It is generally accepted that person must exhibit symptoms to an extent greater than the average person of the same age for six months or more.

It is also important that a person who is exhibiting symptoms of ADHD be evaluated for other medical conditions in addition to hyperthyroidism that might be affecting behavior. These include petit mal seizures, diabetes, learning disabilities, depression, anxiety, and conditions that can affect hearing or vision, such as ear infections or a need for glasses.

Because hyperactivity is a general behavior as well as a symptom of a variety of diseases or disorders, a missed or delayed diagnosis is possible. For more information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of hyperactivity.

Causes of Hyperactivity:

The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of Hyperactivity. There are likely to be other possible causes, so ask your doctor about your symptoms.

• Normal child - young children are often very active with short attention spans.
• Normal teenager
• Boredom
• Gifted child
• Psychological conflicts
• Problematic family home life
• Puberty
• Attention deficit disorder
• ADHD
• Hearing problems
• Vision problems
• Thyroid disease
• Learning disability
• Depression
• Lead poisoning
• Anxiety
• Sexual abuse
• Mental illness
• Mania
• Bipolar disorder
• Food allergies - somewhat controversial as to whether allergies cause hyperactivity.
• Brain damage
• See also causes of mania, inattention, concentration difficulty
• Mental disability (type of Disability)
• Attention defict hyperactivity disorder
• Panic attack
• Type A personality
• Autism
• Temporal lobe epilepsy
• Drug use

Hyperactivity Treatments

Treatment plans for hyperactivity are individualized based on the underlying disease or disorder, the patient's age, medical condition and other factors. When hyperactivity is caused by stimulant drug use, reduction and/or discontinuation of the stimulant is generally prescribed. With some stimulant medications or excessive caffeine use, a gradual tapering off of use may be needed to minimize ...Hyperactivity Treatments

Some of the possible treatments listed in sources for treatment of Hyperactivity may include:

• Stimulant therapy
• Behavioural therapy
• Methylphenidate
• Dextroamphetamine
• Atomoxetine
• Tricyclc antidepressants
• Imipramine