Hyperactivity is a condition that affects most children at some point in their lives. Defined as “a higher than normal level of activity”, hyperactivity will often be treated when it begins interfering with a child’s ability to perform daily tasks. A diagnosis is done by a medical professional and will often be termed as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
How Hyperactivity in Kids is Diagnosed and When to Treat it
The Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM, is a guideline that medical professionals use to diagnose many mental illnesses and disorders. It has undergone four revisions in its 50-year history, with the last update being in 1994.
Taken from the latest DSM-IV manual, diagnosing hyperactivity is done when:
Six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level;
- often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
- difficulty sustaining attention
- does not seem to listen
- does not follow though on instructions and fails to finish work
- difficulty organizing
- avoids, dislike or reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
- loses things necessary for tasks
- easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
- forgetful in daily activities
- fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
- leaves seat in classroom when expected to sit
- runs or climbs about in situations where it’s not appropriate
- difficulty playing or engaging in quiet activity
- “on the go” or seems to be “driven by a motor”
- talks excessively
Benefits of Medicating Hyperactive Kids
- By finding the right medications that work for a hyperactive child, he will see many benefits such as:
- Concentration: Being able to concentrate on tasks
- Attention: Having a better attention span and being able to follow directions and conversations
- Social Development: Have the ability to make and retain friends, relating to them on age-appropriate levels
- Mood Balance: Feeling of accomplishment and self-worth, positive self-image
- Academic Performance: Achieve better grades and produce completed work
- Family Relationships: Allow for family relationships to grow and not be strained and full of frustration or anger
Side Effects From Medications Used to Treat Hyperactive Kids
As with all medications, side effects are possible. With medications designed to treat hyperactivity, children may suffer from the following side effects:
- Loss of Appetite: May have stomach cramps, upset stomach and no desire to eat
- Weight Loss: Due to not eating enough
- Insomnia: May not be able to fall asleep or stay asleep at night
- Increased Hyperactivity: Some medications may make the hyperactivity worse
- High Blood Pressure: Can lead to heart attack or strokes
- Drug Abuse Potential: Children taking Ritalin have a higher likelihood of using illegal drugs in their adult years
- Hallucinations/Suicidal Thoughts: Possibility of having bad, disturbing thoughts or hearing voices
Caution is often used before medicating hyperactive kids as a first choice solution. Many of these drugs have not been around a long time and their impact on growth and development is still uncertain.
Misdiagnosis of Hyperactivity in Kids
It can be very difficult in diagnosing hyperactivity as a medical condition and determining when to begin treating with medications. Most medications used to treat hyperactive kids have not been tested for long-term results, so their impact on future health problems and development is still uncertain.
Todd Elder, an assistant professor at the Michigan State University, conducted a study involving 12.000 children. He concluded that the youngest children in a kindergarten classroom were 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than the older children in the same grade. When compared to the older students, it was found that their maturity levels varied greatly and lead to perceptions of them not performing at the expected “grade level.”
Using Elder’s study as a reference, it is expected that nearly one million children who are diagnosed with ADHD in the United States, have been misdiagnosed simply because they are the youngest in their grade level.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
MedicineNet.com. "Definition of Hyperactivity" (accessed November 10, 2010)
The Health Center. "Pros and Cons of ADD/ADHD Medications "(accessed November 10, 2010)
PBS: ADHD. "The Diagnostic Criteria "(accessed November 10, 2010)
Michigan State University. "Nearly 1 million children potentially misdiagnosed with ADHD" (accessed November 10, 2010)
Tamara Laschinsky - Health and wellness advocate, author, researcher and owner of Natural e GREEN: Natural Health & Wellness store!
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