Hyperactivity

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Overview & Considerations

Hyperactive behavior commonly refers to a group of characteristics. This can include constant activity, easy distractibility, impulsiveness, inability to concentrate, aggressiveness, and similar behaviors.

Typical behaviors may include fidgeting or constant moving, wandering, excessive talking, and difficulty participating in "quiet" activities (such as reading).

Hyperactivity is not easily defined because it often depends on the tolerance of the observer. Behavior that seems excessive to one observer may not seem excessive to another. However, certain children when compared to others are clearly far more active, and this can become problematic if it interferes with their school work or ability to make friends.

Hyperactivity is often considered more of a problem for schools and parents than it is for the affected child. However, many hyperactive children are unhappy or even depressed because their inability to sit still makes them a target for bullying, makes in harder for them to connect with other children, can make schoolwork difficult, and punishment for their behavior common.

Hyperkinetic behavior (a very active child) often decreases as the child grows older, and disappears by adolescence.