Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSigns and SymptomsDiagnosesTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Signs and Symptoms
Diagnoses
Treatment
Coping
Hyperactivity is a term that describes a person who moves, talks, fidgets, and interrupts more than is typical. Hyperactive children may run, jump, and climb more than their peers. Hyperactive adults may pace or fidget, behave impulsively, be easily distracted, and have a short attention span.
This article will describe the causes of hyperactivity, what it looks like, treatment, and coping.
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What Causes Hyperactivity?
In other cases, hyperactivity can be a sign of a mental or physical disorder. The most common causes include:
Other health conditions can have hyperactivity as a symptom, such as:
Children With ADHD Rarely Lose Their Diagnosis as AdultsChildren are more often diagnosed with hyperactivity and ADHD than adults. But few people grow out of their symptoms. Only about 20% of children with an ADHD diagnosis outgrow their symptoms.
Children With ADHD Rarely Lose Their Diagnosis as Adults
Children are more often diagnosed with hyperactivity and ADHD than adults. But few people grow out of their symptoms. Only about 20% of children with an ADHD diagnosis outgrow their symptoms.
Hyperactivity Signs and Symptoms
Hyperactivity is simply a description of behavior. Hyperactive behavior usually includes being constantly moving, easily distracted, impulsive, unfocused, and, in some cases either aggressive or unusually assertive.
However, these behaviors are often a problem only in certain situations and not in others. For example, high energy and aggression on the football field are assets, while the same behaviors are problems in the classroom.
For children, hyperactive symptoms are generally described as:
Many of these so-called symptoms are, in some cases, age-appropriate behaviors or the behaviors of an unusually energetic child. It’s important to look carefully at hyperactive behaviors to be sure that they are truly at a level to cause concern for the child—or whether they are more of a problem for someone else.
Hyperactivity is less often noticed in adults, in part because adults have more control over their day-to-day activities and settings. An adult who prefers to move around a lot is unlikely to choose a desk job, and it’s hard to spot “hyperactivity” in someone whose job requires constant motion (nursing, for example).
When adults do exhibit hyperactivity, it’s often the result of undiagnosed ADHD.Symptoms may look like:
2:06Click Play to Learn All About Fidgeting and What Causes It
2:06
Click Play to Learn All About Fidgeting and What Causes It
How Hyperactivity Is Diagnosed
Hyperactivity is not a disorder in itself, but it can lead to diagnoses.
In adults, a healthcare provider may also get a blood or urine sample to check hormone levels to determine if there is a hormonal imbalance, such as hyperthyroidism, causing hyperactivity.
The most common diagnosis for hyperactive children and adults is ADHD, but other diagnoses can result from symptoms of hyperactivity.
Hyperactivity Treatment
ADHD in children is usually treated through a combination ofmedications (usually amphetamines)and behavioral and cognitive therapies.
Stimulants and non-stimulant medications, such as antidepressants,serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors(SNRIs), and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. may be used to treat adults with ADHD.Adults also usually work with a therapist to build new skills and find workarounds for difficult activities such as time management.
ADHD Symptoms in Women and Common Treatments
Hyperactivity in autism is not treated with stimulants because many of the “hyperactive” behaviors seen in autism are self-calming behaviors that help autistic people regulate their response to the world around them. It may not be necessary to treat such behaviors at all. But if they become a serious issue, they are usually treated throughsensory integration therapyand, in some cases,behavioral therapy.
Other issues may be addressed through interventions such as a change in school,family therapy, ortalk therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Studies have shown CBT to be effective in reducing hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity in adults, as well as improving executive function and easing anxiety and depression when combined with medication.
For most people, hyperactivity is an issue that can be addressed fairly easily through a variety of treatments, therapies, and workarounds. There are national organizations such asCHADD.orgthat support individuals with ADHD and similar disorders, and there are technological tools available to help with organization, planning, and focus.
Summary
The word “hyperactivity” is usually used to describe moving, talking, and fidgeting too much. Most people with hyperactivity also have trouble with focus, interrupting others, and behaving impulsively.
People who are hyperactive often have ADHD, but other conditions can have hyperactivity as a symptom too. Treatments include stimulant drugs, talk therapy, and support for learning how to work with and around hyperactivity.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Hyperactivity.Levy E, Traicu A, Iyer S, et al.Psychotic disorders comorbid with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: an important knowledge gap. Can J Psychiatry. 2015 Mar;60(3 Suppl 2):S48-52. PMID: 25886680Hours C, Recasens C, Baleyte JM.ASD and ADHD Comorbidity: What Are We Talking About?Front Psychiatry. 2022 Feb 28;13:837424. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.837424Brem S, Grünblatt E, Drechsler R, et al.The neurobiological link between OCD and ADHD. Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2014 Sep;6(3):175-202. doi: 10.1007/s12402-014-0146-xVrijsen JN, Tendolkar I, Onnink M, et al.ADHD symptoms in healthy adults are associated with stressful life events and negative memory bias. Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2018 Jun;10(2):151-160. doi: 10.1007/s12402-017-0241-xYuchi W, Brauer M, Czekajlo A, et al.Neighborhood environmental exposures and incidence of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A population-based cohort study. Environment International. 2022;161:107120. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107120Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).ADHD changes in adulthood.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults: what you need to know.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and teens: what you need to know.American Psychological Association.What is cognitive behavioral therapy?Lopez PL, Torrente FM, Ciapponi A, et al.Cognitive-behavioural interventions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Adhd) in adults. Cochrane Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems Group, ed. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2018;2018(3). doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010840.pub2
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Hyperactivity.Levy E, Traicu A, Iyer S, et al.Psychotic disorders comorbid with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: an important knowledge gap. Can J Psychiatry. 2015 Mar;60(3 Suppl 2):S48-52. PMID: 25886680Hours C, Recasens C, Baleyte JM.ASD and ADHD Comorbidity: What Are We Talking About?Front Psychiatry. 2022 Feb 28;13:837424. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.837424Brem S, Grünblatt E, Drechsler R, et al.The neurobiological link between OCD and ADHD. Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2014 Sep;6(3):175-202. doi: 10.1007/s12402-014-0146-xVrijsen JN, Tendolkar I, Onnink M, et al.ADHD symptoms in healthy adults are associated with stressful life events and negative memory bias. Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2018 Jun;10(2):151-160. doi: 10.1007/s12402-017-0241-xYuchi W, Brauer M, Czekajlo A, et al.Neighborhood environmental exposures and incidence of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A population-based cohort study. Environment International. 2022;161:107120. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107120Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).ADHD changes in adulthood.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults: what you need to know.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and teens: what you need to know.American Psychological Association.What is cognitive behavioral therapy?Lopez PL, Torrente FM, Ciapponi A, et al.Cognitive-behavioural interventions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Adhd) in adults. Cochrane Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems Group, ed. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2018;2018(3). doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010840.pub2
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Hyperactivity.Levy E, Traicu A, Iyer S, et al.Psychotic disorders comorbid with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: an important knowledge gap. Can J Psychiatry. 2015 Mar;60(3 Suppl 2):S48-52. PMID: 25886680Hours C, Recasens C, Baleyte JM.ASD and ADHD Comorbidity: What Are We Talking About?Front Psychiatry. 2022 Feb 28;13:837424. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.837424Brem S, Grünblatt E, Drechsler R, et al.The neurobiological link between OCD and ADHD. Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2014 Sep;6(3):175-202. doi: 10.1007/s12402-014-0146-xVrijsen JN, Tendolkar I, Onnink M, et al.ADHD symptoms in healthy adults are associated with stressful life events and negative memory bias. Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2018 Jun;10(2):151-160. doi: 10.1007/s12402-017-0241-xYuchi W, Brauer M, Czekajlo A, et al.Neighborhood environmental exposures and incidence of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A population-based cohort study. Environment International. 2022;161:107120. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107120Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).ADHD changes in adulthood.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults: what you need to know.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and teens: what you need to know.American Psychological Association.What is cognitive behavioral therapy?Lopez PL, Torrente FM, Ciapponi A, et al.Cognitive-behavioural interventions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Adhd) in adults. Cochrane Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems Group, ed. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2018;2018(3). doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010840.pub2
MedlinePlus.Hyperactivity.
Levy E, Traicu A, Iyer S, et al.Psychotic disorders comorbid with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: an important knowledge gap. Can J Psychiatry. 2015 Mar;60(3 Suppl 2):S48-52. PMID: 25886680
Hours C, Recasens C, Baleyte JM.ASD and ADHD Comorbidity: What Are We Talking About?Front Psychiatry. 2022 Feb 28;13:837424. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.837424
Brem S, Grünblatt E, Drechsler R, et al.The neurobiological link between OCD and ADHD. Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2014 Sep;6(3):175-202. doi: 10.1007/s12402-014-0146-x
Vrijsen JN, Tendolkar I, Onnink M, et al.ADHD symptoms in healthy adults are associated with stressful life events and negative memory bias. Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2018 Jun;10(2):151-160. doi: 10.1007/s12402-017-0241-x
Yuchi W, Brauer M, Czekajlo A, et al.Neighborhood environmental exposures and incidence of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A population-based cohort study. Environment International. 2022;161:107120. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107120
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).ADHD changes in adulthood.
National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults: what you need to know.
National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and teens: what you need to know.
American Psychological Association.What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
Lopez PL, Torrente FM, Ciapponi A, et al.Cognitive-behavioural interventions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Adhd) in adults. Cochrane Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems Group, ed. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2018;2018(3). doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010840.pub2
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