Hyperactivity-Impulsivity In ADHD

Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the most noticeable symptoms associated with ADHD. These behaviors often affect academic performance, home-life, and social relationships. ADHD is often associated with academic difficulties, social issues, low self-esteem, and problems within the famility. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment can help a child overcome these problems and cope with the symptoms of ADHD

Some hyperactive/impulsive behaviors that parents and teachers should look out for include:

• Restlessness, often displayed through squirming or fidgeting.
• An inability to remain seated when quiet behavior is expected.
• Excessive talking.
• Blurting out answers without being called upon to do so.
• Constantly interrupting others and an inability to take turns.

Because the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity are very disrupting both at home and at school, parents and teachers are often able to easily recognize the signs of ADHD. These behaviors can also negatively impacts a childs social relationships with other children, because they are often viewed as loud, pushy, aggressive, and annoying.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, children with ADHD may also experience some of the following symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity:

Hyperactive children always seem to be "on the go" or constantly in motion. They dash around touching or playing with whatever is in sight, or talk incessantly. Sitting still at dinner or during a school lesson or story can be a difficult task. They squirm and fidget in their seats or roam around the room. Or they may wiggle their feet, touch everything, or noisily tap their pencil. Hyperactive teenagers or adults may feel internally restless. They often report needing to stay busy and may try to do several things at once.

Impulsive children seem unable to curb their immediate reactions or think before they act. They will often blurt out inappropriate comments, display their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for the later consequences of their conduct. Their impulsivity may make it hard for them to wait for things they want or to take their turn in games. They may grab a toy from another child or hit when they're upset. Even as teenagers or adults, they may impulsively choose to do things that have an immediate but small payoff rather than engage in activities that may take more effort yet provide much greater but delayed rewards.

Source: (1996) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder National Institute of Mental Health