Sometimes we see children or adults having difficulty staying focused, being impulsive and hyperactive, or a combination of the two. This may be a sign of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Hyperactivity disorder is one of the more common brain development disorders in children, with symptoms typically appearing in children younger than 12 years old and being most noticeable around the time they start school between 5 and 6 years old. It affects approximately 5 to 9% of children, with boys more likely than girls to develop ADHD, and adults may be affected as well.
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What are the symptoms of hyperactivity disorder?

Toddlers in their toddler years are often active and running around, have trouble concentrating, or are restless. This does not mean they have hyperactivity disorder. However, if you find that your child is more active than other children of the same age on more than one occasion (such as school and home) for 6 months, you need to take your child to see a doctor.

Typical symptoms of hyperactivity disorder include:

Lack of concentration:

1. Often overlooking details or making careless mistakes in schoolwork
2. Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork or games and organizing things and activities
3. Easily distracted and seems unable to listen to what others are saying
4. Difficulty following instructions or completing schoolwork or chores
5. Avoiding or disliking things that require sustained concentration, such as doing homework
6. Lost items needed for things or activities, such as toys, homework, or pencils
7. Forgetting to do some daily activities, such as housework

Hyperactive/Impulsive:

1. Difficulty sitting still in class or other situations, often squirming in the seat, and swinging hands and feet frequently
   Move or perform actions at any time
2. Running around or climbing up and down at inappropriate times
3. Difficulty playing games or activities quietly
4. Talking too much, blurting out words, interrupting the questioner
5. Don’t have the patience to wait in line
6. Interfere with other people’s conversations, games, or activities

Causes of Hyperactivity Disorder

Although the cause of hyperactivity disorder is not yet known by the medical community, researchers have found that children with hyperactivity disorder have 3% lower brain volume than others, particularly in the temporal and frontal lobes (areas responsible for controlling attention and inhibiting impulses) . Other factors, such as chemical abnormalities in the brain (especially the dopamine system), genetics, childhood growth and living environment, drug use in pregnant women, premature birth and exposure to certain chemicals, have also been linked to hyperactivity disorder. Although it is said that excessive sugar intake can cause hyperactivity disorder, there is no relevant evidence yet. Instead, eating healthy fruits and vegetables has been shown to have a preventive effect.

Causes of Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults

Although the symptoms of hyperactivity disorder will lessen as the brain develops, adults may also suffer from hyperactivity disorder, such as difficulty concentrating and prioritizing, frequently missing deadlines, forgetting meetings and social plans, etc. Possible reasons are as follows:

1. Childhood symptoms also affect the patient, and the patient may not have received treatment or the condition may not be under control.
   
2. Treatment methods used in childhood are not suitable for adult life.

What happens if you delay diagnosis

Hyperactivity disorder is a disorder that begins in childhood, and delays in diagnosis can have varying impacts on children, such as abrupt and impulsive behavior that affects schoolwork or peer relationships. In addition, being “restless” will also increase the risk of accidents.

Hyperactivity disorder may also co-occur with other conditions, including oppositional defiant disorder, specific learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, mood and anxiety problems, and an increased risk of alcohol and drug abuse. Therefore, patients should receive treatment as soon as possible.

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