Hyperactivity

"Hyperactive" redirects here. For other uses, see Hyperactive (disambiguation).

Hyperactivity is a psychological or physical state of abnormally high activity, a symptom of certain medical or psychiatric conditions, and a common psychological syndrome.^[1] As a behavioral descriptor, hyperactivity includes increased movement such as fidgeting or constant movement, talking too much, difficulty concentrating, and other manifestations.^[1][2]

The colloquial term hyper is an abbreviation of hyperactive.

Causes

Medical and psychiatric conditions

Hyperactivity is associated with several medical and psychiatric or psychological conditions and can be a side effect of certain medications.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Hyperactivity is a hallmark of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation that are excessive and pervasive, impairing in multiple contexts, and developmentally inappropriate.^[8] ADHD symptoms arise from executive dysfunction.^[17]

Diet

Popular belief and reports in the medical and scientific literature have linked various dietary exposures to hyperactivity. Although concerns have been expressed about a linkage between food additives and hyperactivity, there is no clear evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship.^[18]

Sugar consumption

Main article: Sugar § Cognition

The majority of studies show no connection between sugar and hyperactivity.^[19][20][21] Some people, particularly parents and teachers, believe that sugar causes hyperactivity, and that children's behavior often gets more rowdy, excited and energetic after they eat too much sugary food and drink too many sugary drinks (such as chocolates/sweets or soft drinks). 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, and thus, a placebo effect was observed.^[22] Regardless of this, the studies conducted present that there however, is no correlation between sugar and hyperactivity.^[23]

Complicating factors

Other studies point to synthetic preservatives and artificial colouring agents aggravating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in those affected.^{[24][unreliable source?]} Numerous studies have found a significant correlation between the ingestion of salicylates and hyperactivity in children.^[25] Parental reports were more accurate indicators of the presence of additives than clinical tests revealing results not properly gathered to conclude a result.^{[26] [27]} Two studies show academic performance increased and disciplinary problems decreased in large non-ADHD student populations when artificial ingredients were eliminated from school food programs.^[28][29] Based on all the conducted studies it is not clear yet if there is a correlation between diet and hyperactivity, but the majority of studies done indicate that there may be no correlation between the two.

See also

• Hypoactivity