Why my child is so hyperactive? Can we handle such a children and more.

OVERACTIVE CHILD

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Some children are overactive or hyperactive throughout the day, particularly seen from 2 to 6 year of age. These children are energetic who move constantly throughout the day without getting tired. They're jumping, bouncing and literally climbing the walls without fear.

Remember that  you are not alone, there are others going through the same thing. 

🔴 Symptoms of overactive child

🔹 Hyperactive kids have difficulty in listening to or following directions.

🔹 They keep on moving.

🔹 They keep on talking and interrupt elders during conversation

🔹 Fail to follow instructions given by teachers or parents.

🔹 They can easily get frustrated.

🔹 Some children are violent.

In short.. Living with overactive child is like being locked in a small room with DJ playing throughout the day 

🔴  Causes of overactive child

❇️ Dietary issues

🔹 Sugar may cause hyperactivity in children but there is lack of evidence.

🔹 Preservatives and artificial colour increases hyperactivity.

Remember.... Junk food isn't good for your growing children 

❇️ Lack of sleep

🔹 It will cause sluggishness in adults but the opposite happens in children- often become hyperactive.

Remember... Sleep is best meditation 

❇️ Stress

🔹 If children are pressurized to perform or kept under strict discipline, they will be under stress

🔹 Poor home environment due to conflict between elders or financial burden will cause stress in children.

In short... Stress due to any reason is like a dose of small poison given to the child. 

❇️ Medical disorder

🔹 Hyperthyroidism or anxiety

🔹 Attention deficit hyperactive child.

Remember... Never waste time trying to convince yourself that hyperactive child is normal 

🔴 Shall I worry about overactive children?

Yes... Such children need proper evaluation and treatment.

🔹 ADHD is a common disorder seen in children, almost seen in 3 to 5% children. Such children need proper management.

🔹 Even a child who is overactive, not suffering from ADHD needs proper behavior therapy.

In short... Without proper evaluation, failure is inevitable. 

🔴 Attention deficit hyperactive disease

ADHD is the most common Neurodevelopmental problem in childhood. Children with ADHD will be hyperactive, low self esteem, trouble relationships with peers and poor academic performance in higher classes. 

❇️ Why ADHD is difficult diagnosed? 

🔹 These children appear to be normal 

🔹 Milestones may be normal 

🔹 Hyperactive child is considered a normal, in fact it is considered a sign of smartness hence ignored by parents. 

🔹 Maximum teachers are unaware of the problem and labelled them as a mischievous type of the kid. 

🔹 Parents never go to Doctor for this complain so mild to moderate cases are not diagnosed.

In short.. The problem is not an issue but our attitude and ignorance is biggest problem. 

❇️ Suspect ADHD

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If your child is having following symptoms, consult pediatrician 

🔹 Hyperactive 

🔹 Impulsivity

🔹 Inattention 

Remember..  Doctor can open the door. 

🔳 Features of hyperactive child 

🔹 Do not relax

🔹 Difficult sitting still

🔹 Restlessness

🔹 Excessive speaking 

🔹 Violent behavior 

🔹 Easily distracted 

🔹 Fail to finish task 

🔹 Shifting from one activity to another 

🔹 Unable to calm down

Remember.. These children got lot of energy 

🔳 Features of impulsiveness 

Acting without thought of consequences 

🔹 Jumping from height 

🔹 Running on the road 

🔹 Have trouble following rules set by family or even school 

🔹 Do inappropriate things in front of guest to get attention 

🔹 Running in the classroom 

🔹 Have trouble waiting their turn in the games

🔹 Grab things from other children or even adults 

In short... Action without thought is impulsiveness 

🔳 Features of inattention 

🔹 Unable to maintain sustained attention to task like classroom teaching or even play 

🔹 Seem not listening even when directly spoken 

🔹 Makes careless mistakes in school work like copying from test book. 

🔹 Avoid task that requires mental efforts like playing chess or business 

🔹 Always loses important school materials like pencil

🔹 Often fail to finish task in spite of proper instructions like going to shop and purchase biscuits and Poha.

 *In short...* The child seems to be lost in his own world 

🔴 Diagnosis

🔹 Needs psychological evaluation by Pediatrician and team

🔹 If suspected medical cause, need blood or radiological evaluation 

🔹 Need to evaluate Co-morbid condition like slow learner, Autism, learning disability 

Remember... Proper diagnosis is the key in management of overactive child 

🔴 Treatment

It depends upon the cause of hyperactivity in the children 

❇️ ADHD

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It depends upon severity of the disease 

🔹 Drugs

🔹 Cognitive behavior therapy 

❇️ Overactive child 

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🔹 Quality time by parents 

🔹 Daily routine 

🔹 Behavior modification 

🔹 Proper discipline technique 

🔹 Avoid carbohydrate rich food. 

❇️ Medical problems 

🔹 Treatment depends upon the problem.

 *Remember...* Parents not only need to keep patience, but also have to create good attitude during treatment 

🙏🏻🙏🏻 If you like this blog, please share with other mothers and friends

Remember..... Gaining knowledge is first step to wisdom and sharing it is first step to humanity 

Dr Ashish Agrawal, Paediatrician and expert in child behavior, education and developmental problems.

Ph: 8888126037, 7057551985

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