Hyperactivity

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Central nervous system

Activity - increased; Hyperkinetic behavior

A child who is normally very active often responds well to specific directions and a program of regular physical activity. A child with a hyperactivity disorder, on the other hand, has a hard time following directions and controlling impulses.

• Your child seems persistently hyperactive
• Your child is very active, aggressive, impulsive, and has difficulty concentrating
• Your child's activity level is causing social difficulties, or difficulty with schoolwork

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. There may also be a review of the home and school environments.

Medical history questions documenting hyperactivity in detail may include:

• Is this a new behavior for the child or has the child always been very active?
• Is the behavior getting worse?
• Exactly what behavior have you noticed?
• Is the child physically active?
• Is the child easily distracted?
• Does the child have trouble following directions?
• Have you noticed anything that makes the child more or less active?
• Is the child more active at school than at home?
• What other symptoms are present?

The provider may recommend a thorough psychological evaluation.

Review Date: 05/12/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.