HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Hyperactivity And Inattentiveness In Child?

Posted on Mon, 16 Nov 2015

Question: I have a 5.5 years old son. He is hyper active.

Following are few points which we would like to address:
a. He does not sit at one position. Keeps on moving around from one place to other.
b. Keeps talking continuously.
c. He get angry very quickly. Then he reacts very immediately, sometimes with hands.
d. Does not listen/follow instruction most the times. Teachers are also finding difficulties to make him sit at one place.
e. Sometimes he uses words/sentences which are not appropriate for this age.

Additional information:
He does not have any medical deficiency. He is physically fit (although his diet is very less).

Based on inputs/suggestions, we are trying to keep him occupied. Everyone has given opinion that we should get him exhausted (use his energy). He is going for Gymnastics in the evening on alternate days for this reason. However it has very little effect.

Let us know what should we do as a parent to handle above situation.

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would like to rule out ADHD

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

I have gone through the details and can understand your concern.
The symptoms can be due to a condition called Attention deficit hyperkinetic disorder(ADHD).
Here child shows hyperactivity,becomes inattentive with or without impulsive behavior.
In this condition child gets easily distracted,does not follow the instruction and fails to complete his homework at a stretch,does not follows commands and leaves seats is situations where remaining seated is expected.These symptoms can be there in normal child also but when symptoms are persistent,present in two different settings(like both at home and in school)and disturbing daily social and functional activities,the ADHD must be ruled out.
I would suggest you to get him evaluated by a child psychiatrist for proper evaluation and management if needed.
The treatment is mainly behavioral therapy.Additional medical treatment helps in control of the symptoms.

I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more queries.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (22 minutes later)

Thanks for the reply. i am in XXXXXXX Can you please recommend any doctor?

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your pediatrician can give a better idea

Detailed Answer:
Sorry,but I don't have any idea about child psychologist in XXXXXXX You can consult your pediatrician to get a better idea.

Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (35 hours later)

I was reading about ADHD. However my son is very good in studies and he picks up things very quickly. Also he remembers almost everything. Do you think we should also get him evaluated for ADHD?

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Diagnosis of ADHD depends on fulfilment of certain criteria

Detailed Answer:
I am extremely sorry for delayed reply

The diagnosis of ADHD can be made if child fulfils certain criteria(6 of 9 mentioned criteria).Mental subnormality is not an essential criteria.
As your child has suggestive features, I would like to get him evaluated properly to rule out the possibility of ADHD if any.

Regards

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar