Hyperactivity
Alternative names:
activity - increased; hyperactive; hyperkinetic behavior
Definition:
A state of excessive muscular activity. (This term is also used to describe a situation when a particular portion of the body is excessively active, such as when a gland produces too much of its particular hormone.) See also attention deficit disorder (ADD).
Considerations:
Hyperactive behavior commonly refers to a group of characteristics. This includes aggressiveness, constant activity, easy distractibility, impulsiveness, inability to concentrate, and similar behaviors.
Typical behaviors may include fidgeting or constant moving, wandering, excessive talking, difficulty participating in "quiet" activities such as reading, and similar behaviors.
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.
Hyperkinetic behavior ("a very active child") often decreases as the child grows older, and disappears by adolescence.
Common causes:
Note: There may be other causes of hyperactivity. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for hyperactivity, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.
|
