hyperactivity

a condition characterized by excessive restlessness and movement

Hyperactivity can be described as a state in which a person is abnormally easily excitable and exuberant. Strong emotional reactions and a very short span of attention is also typical for a hyperactive person. Some individuals may show these characteristics naturally, as personality differs from person to person. Nonetheless, when hyperactivity starts to become serious and harmful to the person as well as others, it may be classified as a medical disorder. It is often associated with organic disorders, such as Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorderADHD, and autism and non-organic disorders, such as caffeinism. Some may experience both autism and ADHD.

Other Causes of Hyperactivity - There is a great deal of focus on Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder as a cause of hyperactivity. Other conditions can cause it as well. Normal young children can be very lively and have short attention spans. Normal teenagers can also appear hyperactive;puberty can cause it. Children who are bored, are suffering from mental conflict, or are having problems at home - which may even include sexual abuse - can be hyperactive. The disorder has a large range of affects on children. Some have learning disabilitylearning disabilities, while others may be very gifted.Hyperactivity can also occur because of problems with hearing or vision. Overactive thyroid, lead poisoning, clinical depressiondepression, anxiety, and a range of psychiatric illnesses are some of the potential causes.Hyperactivity is sometimes associated with mania. Another more common cause of hyperactivity is lack of sleep. More severe cases of hyperactivity can be very harmful if left untreated, since hyperactive people seldom think about the consequences of their actions.Hyperactivity has also has been associated with artificial food colourings such as Tartrazine.

Does sugar make one "hyper"? - A common belief is that eating too much sugar will make a person hyperactive. This belief is especially prevalent amongst parents and teachers who claim that children's behavior often get more rowdy, excited and energetic after they eat too many sugary food and drinks (such as candy or soda). One particular study found that the perception by parents regarding their children's hyperactivity depended on their belief as to whether they had been given sugar. ? ccmr.cornell.eduNevertheless, as mentioned above, artificial food colouring and caffein in the sweets or sugary beverages consumed by children and many other people alike may be linked to hyperactivity.

See also -

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Adult attention-deficit disorder

List of fictional characters with ADHD

Anti-psychiatry med-stub =

Attention Deficit Diosrders Association -SR
The website is designed to help anyone who has a friend or love one affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
http://www.adda-sr.org/

School Discipline for Students with ADD
Practical tips on managing children with attention deficit disorder in the classroom.
http://www.chadd.org

National Institute of Mental Health
Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental illnesses. Included are brochures and information sheets, reports, press releases, fact sheets, and other educational materials.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

Internet Mental Health
The 52 most common mental disorders, medications, news, recovery stories, links.
http://www.mentalhealth.com/

National Library of Medicine
The world's largest medical library. It collects materials in all major areas of the health sciences and to a lesser degree in such areas as chemistry, physics, botany and zoology.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/