When people talk of hyperactivity today, they generally mean attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Hyperactivity though, has many causes aside from those that cause ADHD. For instance, normal kids who don't have the disorder can be hyperactive and have short attention spans. If your child appears hyperactive, you may need to consult a physician or psychologist, because his condition can affect his school performance and relationship with other kids.

What Causes ADHD?

Don't blame yourself if you're a parent and your child has ADHD. While your upbringing does have an impact on your child's personality, there may be other things that are beyond your control. The following are factors that contribute to ADHD:

• Brain anatomy and function: Scientists have discovered that the brain anatomy and function of children with ADHD are significantly different from children who don't have the condition. Neurotransmitters and the parts of the brain that control attention and activity are not used properly in children with ADHD. They also seem to have a smaller brain volume than children who don't have the disorder.
• Heredity: It is generally accepted that ADHD runs in families. About one in four children who have the disorder have at least one relative who also have it.
• Toxins from the environment: For pregnant mothers, smoking, alcohol abuse, and drug use can all increase the risk of having children with ADHD. Industrial chemicals containing polychlorinated buphenyls or PCBs are also very harmful to pregnant women and their children. Lead, which is used in pipes and paints, is believed to contribute to the short attention span and disruptive behavior of children.

Early Detection: Symptoms of ADHD

It's very important to detect ADHD early, so proper treatment can begin. A child with ADHD may unnecessarily suffer emotionally and physically if he's not diagnosed early. ADHD symptoms fall into two categories: inattention and hyperactivity.

Take your child to a doctor or a psychologist if he's been showing six or more of the following inattention symptoms for at least six months:

• He doesn't pay attention to details, and tends to make careless mistakes in school.
• His attention span is short whether he's doing a task or playing.
• He doesn't listen to people who talk to him.
• He finds it difficult to follow instructions.
• He's not organized when doing activities.
• He doesn't want to do tasks that require thinking, like homework.
• He always loses his toys, books, and pencils.
• He gets easily distracted.
• He frequently forgets things.

Hyperactivity symptoms are the opposite of inattention symptoms, as they show impulsiveness in the child's behavior. Have your child checked by a doctor or a psychologist if he's been exhibiting six or more of the following symptoms for at least six months:

• He frequently squirms and fidgets.
• He often leaves his seat in the classroom.
• He runs in the classroom or at home, even when it's not allowed.
• He plays noisily.
• He's always on the go.
• He's very talkative.
• He answers his teachers loudly even before they've finished asking their questions.
• He finds it difficult to wait for his turn.
• He interrupts other children's games and conversations.

Medical Treatment for ADHD

There's no miracle drug for ADHD, and the effectiveness of all current forms of treatment is debated among experts. Most experts agree however, that a combination of medication and therapy is the most flexible and helpful treatment for ADHD.

A Family Problem: Therapies for ADHD Treatment

It is important to remember that ADHD is not just the child's problem, but rather, the whole family's. Both the child and the parents should undergo therapy to make the child recover faster. Therapy is usually done by a psychologist or a psychiatrist, and lasts for a long period of time. Here are some therapies available for the child and other members of the family:

• Psychotherapy: This treatment is more appropriate for older children with ADHD, because it requires them to talk about their personal issues. The psychologist can then analyze their behavior and way of thinking to help them deal with their problems.
  
  

  Behavior therapy is a subtype of psychotherapy that is directed more toward parents and teachers. They learn strategies and techniques to modify the behavior of children and eliminate their symptoms. Reward systems are often employed in behavior therapy to reinforce good behavior in patients.

• Family and parenting therapy: The whole family must receive therapy, so they can better respond to the child's needs. Parents are especially advised to undergo skills training because children with ADHD learn differently from other children. Through therapy, parents will be able to adjust their teaching methods to their child's needs, and increase the chance of recovery.
• Support groups: ADHD is a very common phenomenon; and various support groups are scattered all around the world to help parents with hyperactive children. Contact a support group nearest you to access their resources on ADHD treatment.

Medications for ADHD Treatment

Therapy alone is not enough to cure ADHD. Experts recommend taking medicines to alter the child's behavior more effectively. Medications commonly used to reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms are as follows:

• Methylphenidate: Methylphenidate is a stimulant that's commonly used to treat ADHD. You can purchase its patch form and apply it on your child's hip. Its effects can last for up to nine hours; and it's safe for children from ages 6 to 12.
• Amphetamine: Drugs with mixed amphetamine salts are commonly prescribed to children with ADHD. Studies show that these drugs can make students perform better in school, particularly mathematics, after the initial dose. The effects of the drug can last for several hours depending on the dosage.
• Dextroamphetamine: This is a psychostimulant that produces increased focus and wakefulness in the patient. It may increase the attention of span of the child, making therapy easier.
• Other medications: All of the above drugs are psychostimulants, substances that enhance locomotor behavior. Aside from these drugs, antidepressants may also be used to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine, another drug that is not a psychostimulant, has similar effects to the drugs mentioned.

While all of these medications have positive effects on the symptoms of ADHD, scientists aren't still sure how exactly they work. Some of these drugs also have side effects that may interfere with the child's activities. Additionally, the beneficial effects of the drugs tend to wear off quickly once the child stops taking them. Consult your doctor on all your medication options, before choosing one for your child.

Other Possible Causes of Hyperactivity

There are many other causes of hyperactivity aside from ADHD. Young children are naturally lively, and many of them may seem to have short attention spans because they like to play too much. Teenagers are also known to show signs of hyperactivity when they reach puberty. Other mental and emotional disorders, such as those that result from sexual abuse, can also cause hyperactivity.

Many experts point out the role of diet in altering children's behavior. Some parents believe that giving children chocolates and other sweet treats make them more active or hyperactive. Research shows however, that there's no significant difference in children's behavior after eating sweet treats. Interestingly, a study done in Southampton University found out that artificial food colors and additives in fruit drinks cause a significant increase in children's hyperactivity.

The best way to reduce or get rid of hyperactivity in children is to combine proper guidance with supervised medications. See a doctor immediately if you think that your child is unusually hyperactive compared to other kids. Many people have been cured of hyperactivity and ADHD before, so your child has a lot of chance to get better.