Symptoms of hyperactivity in a child, correction, recommendations for adults. Hyperactive child - signs of hyperactivity in children and what parents should do

Probably only people who don’t have them have never heard of hyperactivity in children. Today this term is on everyone's lips. And, probably, most parents believe that their child is hyperactive, because he is so fidgety, always on the move, which is called “a pain in the ass.” But an active and active baby is not always exactly hyperactive. And this definition should not be abused, because hyperactivity in children is not just their distinctive feature, but not an entirely normal state, that is, a kind of deviation from the norm. Moreover, this condition requires a certain “treatment”. That is why parents should know how to distinguish a hyperactive child from a normally active child, and if the diagnosis is confirmed by a specialist, then they must study it in as much detail as possible, because the role of parental tactics in raising such children is very significant.

Signs of hyperactivity in a newborn

Hyperactivity in pediatrics is considered a pathological condition in which the child is overly active and excitable. And if ordinary children can also normally show outbursts of hyperactivity (if they are tired, overexcited, upset or for other reasons), then a child with this diagnosis remains in this state constantly, regardless of any circumstances.

Signs of hyperactivity in children under one year of age are not clearly expressed, and it is almost impossible to diagnose the disorder at this age. But the development of the disorder can be suspected even in a newborn child. Hyperactive babies are very restless, sleep poorly and little (including at night), and their biorhythms are often disrupted - the child “confuses” day with night. Many people give up daytime sleep very early, and it is impossible to put them to bed in the evening. The muscle tone of such a baby is increased, not least for this reason, frequent and profuse vomiting is observed when, for some unknown reason, the child vomits like a fountain soon after feeding.

Hyperactive newborns do not like swaddling and are constantly trying to get rid of tight diapers. They are also irritated by clothes that are restrictive and cause any discomfort. They are generally very sensitive to the slightest irritation - be it sounds, a sharp change in temperature or inappropriate lighting - and they immediately begin to scream hysterically and demandingly when other children are simply capricious at this time.

From the first months of life, the limbs of a hyperactive newborn child are constantly in motion, as if he is running somewhere. Such babies usually begin to sit, crawl and walk earlier, and often immediately begin to run and rush around without any caution or fear. And all because they do not have a feeling of fear, which is especially pronounced later - at 3-5 years and at an older age.

Hyperactive child: signs

Obvious signs of hyperactivity in children begin to appear from the age of 2-3 years and most of all - during the period when the child attends kindergarten.

This is because he finds himself in a different environment from the previous one, in which completely different - quite strict and clear - rules and requirements apply. Now the child must obey, obey, follow instructions, analyze his actions, predict their consequences and live in a team, which for a hyperactive child, everything as a whole and each individually is not just difficult, but even hardly possible at all. And the endless difficulties that he has to face in this new world further intensify the manifestations of the disorder. Often, it is at this age that you can notice the first signs of hyperactivity in a child. But they are expressed even more clearly when they begin to attend school, and attempts on the part of teachers and parents to “discipline” a restless and inattentive student often lead to serious consequences in his development.

So, an approximate portrait of a hyperactive child of preschool or school age looks like this. It is difficult for such a child to sit still. Even at the dinner or study table, doing homework or eating, he fidgets and moves all the time: he taps his feet, waves his legs, looks for something to do with his fingers, leans in different directions, or at least turns his head around, looking at who knows what and when this (almost certainly) without seeing anything specific. It is generally difficult for him to concentrate and keep his attention on one thing. Even if it is something that is truly interesting to him, it cannot occupy him for long.

That’s why hyperactive children don’t watch their favorite cartoons to the end, don’t finish playing their favorite games, don’t finish their favorite construction sets, don’t finish reading their favorite books... However, they don’t like to read at all, nor do they like to do homework or any activity that requires mental activity, concentration and attention , despite a fairly high level of intelligence, great abilities, creative and talented essence, well-developed intuition! Despite all this, they write poorly, read and retell poorly, and do not shine in mathematics and other disciplines. There is no point in even buying puzzles for them: hyperactive children are simply not capable (they cannot, they cannot a priori) sit still for any time. They also have very poorly developed fine motor skills (fastenings, lacing, weaving, etc. are not for them).

The activity of such a child does not have a specific direction or goal. He is constantly in motion, twitching, rushing, running, jumping, spinning... But this energy is not directed in any one direction, but is scattered in vain.

The child does not know, does not understand and does not realize why he acts this way or that way. His actions are aimless and unmotivated. He can get up in the middle of the lesson, run around the class, and constantly disturb the teacher or other students. And on top of that, such a child is not able to follow the teacher’s instructions: he simply does not hear them. Therefore, conflicts usually arise constantly with teachers.

Relationships with children are no better. A hyperactive child often bullies, teases, pesters others and even shows aggression, and all this, we recall, happens to him arbitrarily, as if unconsciously. Because of his excessive impulsiveness, he always hurts someone, grabs the hand of a person passing next to him, he cares about everything, he suddenly wedges himself into someone else’s conversation and leaves it just as abruptly and illogically. A child with hyperactivity is very often excessively talkative, and he does not hear the interlocutor: he answers questions asked to him without listening to the answers to the end and immediately switches to something else; he himself can ask, but interrupt or run away already on the second word of the defendant.

He often argues, bickers, proves himself. Sometimes it happens that a hyperactive person withdraws into himself, he seems to “switch off” from the conversation, going to another reality, and then he can just as suddenly “turn on”. And therefore, such a child, as a rule, has few friends: other children do not accept the “black sheep” into their company, make fun of him, and avoid him. Social adaptation is very difficult and painful. Often the child begins to reproach himself for failure among his peers, feels guilty and bad, which further increases his complexes, lack of self-confidence, low self-esteem, hot temper and instability. For this reason, it becomes very difficult to communicate with hyperactive children: some are constantly irritated, nervous, and dissatisfied with something; others withdraw into themselves, withdraw into their own world, understandable and accessible only to them.

However, sometimes it happens that hyperactive children manifest themselves in the role of leader, rallying the team around them. It must be admitted that this is quite unsafe, because they do not have a developed sense of fear and danger, and such children even feel pain dulled.

That’s why they always play extreme games, exposing themselves and others to very serious danger: they jump from trees, run along the roadway and on railway tracks, climb into raging rivers, etc., etc. - they don’t care at all. It is not surprising that such children’s clothes and shoes wear out at record speed: parents almost constantly have to renew their children’s wardrobe.

A hyperactive child is very clumsy, sloppy and untidy. It seems that no matter what he takes on, everything is done wrong: he will knock over a plate, break a pen, tear a paper... Even if the table is far from him, he still manages to catch it and turn something over. He doesn't fit into a doorway, can't put on a jacket or pants correctly, and can fall just by standing still. Inattention reaches such a degree that, having just held something in his hand, the child can no longer find it. That’s why he loses books all the time, forgets notebooks somewhere, and is not even able to find the things he needs in his own briefcase. It is not surprising that hyperactive people never have and cannot have order anywhere. They have neither self-control nor self-discipline. By the way, very often they experience urinary incontinence (both night and day).

Such children do not need to do anything on purpose to cause mischief: everything happens involuntarily, and it is never their fault! And, believe me, this is not just an excuse - it really is. A hyperactive child cannot live differently, even if he makes an effort to do so, although he is also not capable of this. It is impossible to influence his behavior: neither persuasion, nor requests, nor punishment, nor orders have any effect.

It is noteworthy that a hyperactive child is not distinguished by dexterity: he performs labor-intensive and painstaking work very slowly and with difficulty. Also, as a rule, he is not good at playing with a ball and riding a bicycle: neither coordination of movements, nor control over muscle contractions, nor balance are well developed. But he’s a master at grimacing and grimacing!

The reason for such a large complex of “troubles” lies, by and large, in the peculiarities of the functioning of the central nervous system of hyperactive children: it does not tolerate any kind of stress - physical, mental, emotional, and mental. The consequences of such stress are frequent headaches, a feeling of fatigue and depression, colic, disorders in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, increased salivation and sweating, a tendency to allergic manifestations, and even various kinds of neuroses, speech disorders, and heart attacks. By the way, hyperactive children do not eat very well, but they drink a lot.

How to recognize a hyperactive child

It should be noted that even though hyperactivity is a very specific deviation from the norm, we cannot talk about pathology as such in all cases, and it may well be that it is simply a feature of the child’s character or temperament. But very often, hyperactivity is one of the most characteristic signs of a neurological-behavioral disorder, known in medicine as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children (ADHD). In this case, it usually creates certain problems for others.

Experts distinguish several forms of ADHD: with a predominance of inattention, with severe hyperactivity, and in combination with other disorders. Not even every specialist is able to make an accurate diagnosis: there are a huge number of accompanying symptoms and conditions that need to be monitored over a long period of time. But in most cases, doctors advise focusing on the following signs.

We can say that a child is hyperactive if, over the course of six months, in various life situations and in different places (at home, at school, in the company of close people or strangers), his behavior corresponds to at least six points from the following list:

• Doesn't respond to comments.

If you are talking about a child with attention deficit disorder, then in addition to hyperactivity and impulsiveness, as evidenced by the above qualities, a characteristic sign of this disorder is also inattention. It can be diagnosed by confirming the presence of at least six of the following signs (also persisting for six months or longer under any circumstances):

• The child is not able to simply sit quietly or stand still for any period of time. Even while sitting, he is constantly in motion, constantly jumps up and rushes somewhere, gets up and sits down; standing, he shifts from foot to foot, twists them around himself, stomps, dances, waves his arms.
• He is always looking somewhere, directed somewhere, moving, running, climbing (and, as a rule, this is completely inappropriate).
• Often the child very abruptly or unexpectedly takes off and runs or, on the contrary, appears “out of nowhere.”
• He is very fussy, restless, unbalanced, twitching and crawling all the time. Twitching and fidgeting with excitement is especially pronounced.
• The child's activity is aimless and unfocused; it is his natural state, and not a way to achieve something.
• He is not able to do something calm, requiring perseverance, or play calm games.
• The child talks a lot - about anything, does not finish the sentence, “swallows” the words.
• Likes to interfere in other people's conversations or affairs, interferes, interrupts and often annoys others.
• Answers a question before the answer comes to an end. He asks a lot and doesn't listen to the answers. Interrupts.
• Unable to wait and wait and endure.
• During lessons, he shouts from his seat, whispers, fidgets, and creates unnecessary noise.
• Doesn't respond to comments.
• Shows aggression, anger, imbalance, and temper.

If a child is hyperactive with attention deficit disorder, then the signs characteristic of this disorder will certainly appear between the ages of 2 and 7 years, and in the neonatal period there will be manifestations characteristic of it (poor sleep, anxiety, and so on).

In general, let us remind you once again that ordinary children can very often become overexcited and show increased activity, but such cases are episodic in nature and, as a rule, have their own reasons (lack of parental attention, physical exhaustion, excess of emotions, life shocks, etc.) . Moreover, today children are increasingly very mobile and active. In hyperactive children, a similar state (increased nervous excitability and motor activity) is not only normal for them, it is also “useless”, that is, the child rushes or climbs somewhere simply because he cannot stay even for a second. And this is the main difference by which you can suspect this disorder in your child. Moreover, boys are hyperactive 4-5 times more often than girls. Blonde-haired and blue-eyed children are also more susceptible to this syndrome.

Parents can only suspect hyperactivity or ADHD in their child, but a specialist must confirm the diagnosis. If this is done, mom and dad will have to reconsider the principles of upbringing and relationships with their child. These are special children who are not affected by universal techniques and methods. They need a special approach, a clear daily routine, proper rest and sleep, a special diet, and most of all, parental love and support. Therefore, every parent of a hyperactive child is obliged to study this issue and make every possible effort to avoid breaking the little hyperactive personality. And this is so easy to do... By the way, such a child often takes unimportant and trivial things very close to his heart, and at the same time does not allow himself to be consoled and caressed (pushes away, freaks out), although he really needs it.

Please note that many hyperactive children become “difficult” teenagers, often rebelling and going down a destructive path. This can be prevented by establishing a warm, trusting relationship with the child in advance. He must know: that in any life situation you will be on his side, you will be able to understand him, accept him and continue to love him, no matter what. And then with the problems that arise in his life, he will first of all turn to you, and not look for a solution on the streets.

And finally. Be very careful when diagnosing ADHD. There is a high degree of subjectivity in this, but there are no specific methods and methods that allow one to accurately determine the presence of the syndrome. Many children who do not have ADHD may exhibit some of the ADHD symptoms for a variety of reasons.

And even if the diagnosis is confirmed, always remember that a lot depends on you, on how much you are able to understand and accept a child who is simply structured differently. Remember, we said that most of these children are very talented and capable. By the way, scientists with a high degree of probability suggest that such world luminaries as Mozart, Beethoven, Picasso, da Vinci, Einstein and others suffered from ADHD... It is worth finding a vein in your child that should be developed. What do you think?

Especially for - Larisa Nezabudkina

One of the most common diseases in children is hyperactivity. According to statistics, 20% of children aged 3 to 5 years have this diagnosis. This is when the disease manifests itself to its maximum.

A hyperactive child experiences inconvenience during learning and does not socialize well. It is difficult for him to establish contact with peers and concentrate on gaining knowledge. The pathology may be accompanied by other diseases of the nervous system.

In 1970, hyperactivity was included in the international classification of diseases. It was given the name ADHD, or attention deficit disorder. The disease is a disorder of the brain that results in constant nervous tension. Children shock adults with behavior that does not correspond to established standards.

Teachers usually complain about students who are too active. They are restless and constantly undermine discipline. Mental and physical activity is increased. Memory and motor skills may remain unimpaired. The disease most often occurs in boys.

Reasons for the development of pathology

Most often, brain malfunctions begin in utero. Hyperactivity can lead to:

• finding the uterus in good shape (threat of miscarriage);
• hypoxia;
• maternal smoking or poor diet during pregnancy;
• constant stress experienced by a woman.

Sometimes pathology occurs due to disruption of the birth process:

• swiftness;
• a prolonged period of contractions or pushing;
• use of drugs for stimulation;
• birth before 38 weeks.

Hyperactivity syndrome occurs most rarely due to other reasons not related to the birth of the baby:

• diseases of the nervous system;
• family problems (conflicts, tense relationships between mom and dad);
• overly strict parenting;
• chemical poisoning;
• diet disorder.

The listed reasons are risk factors. It is not necessary that a baby with this syndrome is born during rapid labor. If the pregnant mother was constantly nervous, often in confinement due to uterine hypertonicity or oligohydramnios, then the risk of ADHD increases.

Symptoms of pathology

It is quite difficult to separate excessive activity and simple mobility. Many parents mistakenly diagnose their children with ADHD when this problem actually does not exist. Some symptoms may indicate neurasthenia, so you cannot prescribe treatment yourself. If you suspect hyperactivity, consult a specialist.

Before the age of 1 year, brain disorders manifest themselves with symptoms:

• excessive excitability;
• violent reaction to daily procedures (crying during bathing, massage, hygiene procedures);
• increased sensitivity to stimuli: sound, light;
• problems with sleep (babies periodically wake up at night, stay awake for a long time during the day, have difficulty settling down);
• delayed psychomotor development (they begin to crawl, walk, talk, sit later).

Children under 2-3 years of age may experience speech problems. She has been at the babbling stage for a long time; the baby has difficulty forming word combinations and complex sentences.

Hyperactivity is not diagnosed until one year of age, since the described symptoms may appear due to the whims of the baby, problems with the digestive system, or during teething.

Psychologists around the world have recognized that there is a crisis of 3 years. With hyperactivity, it is acute. At the same time, older family members are thinking about socialization. They begin to take the baby to preschool institutions. This is where ADHD begins to manifest itself:

• restlessness;
• chaotic movements;
• motor impairment (clumsiness, inability to hold cutlery or a pencil correctly);
• speech problems;
• inattention;
• disobedience.

Parents may notice that getting their preschooler to sleep becomes difficult. A three-year-old child begins to feel very tired in the evening. The baby begins to cry for no reason and show aggression. This is how accumulated fatigue makes itself felt, but despite it the baby continues to move, actively play, and talk loudly.

ADHD is most often diagnosed in children between 4 and 5 years of age. If mom and dad paid little attention to the health of the preschooler, then the symptoms will appear in elementary school. They will be noticeable:

• inability to concentrate;
• restlessness: during the lesson the student jumps up from his seat;
• problems with adult speech perception;
• hot temper;
• frequent nervous tics;
• lack of independence, incorrect assessment of one’s strengths;
• severe headaches;
• imbalance;
• enuresis;
• numerous phobias, increased anxiety.

You may notice that a hyperactive student has excellent intelligence, but has problems with academic performance. As a rule, the syndrome is accompanied by conflicts with peers.

Other children avoid overly active kids, because it is difficult to find a common language with them. Children with ADHD often become conflict instigators. They are overly touchy, impulsive, aggressive, and mistakenly assess the consequences of their actions.

Features of the syndrome

For most adults, a diagnosis of ADHD sounds like a death sentence. They consider their children to be mentally retarded or defective. This is a big mistake on their part: due to prevailing myths, parents forget that a hyperactive child:

1. Creative. He is full of ideas, and his imagination is better developed than that of ordinary children. If his elders help him, he can become an excellent specialist with a non-standard approach or a creative person with many ideas.
2. The owner of a flexible mind. He finds a solution to a difficult problem, making his work easier.
3. Enthusiast, bright personality. He is interested in many things, he tries to attract attention to himself, strives to communicate with as many people as possible.
4. Unpredictable, energetic. This quality can be called both positive and negative. On the one hand, he has enough strength for many different things, but on the other hand, it is simply impossible to keep him in place.

It is believed that a child with hyperactivity constantly moves chaotically. This is a persistent myth. If a preschooler is completely absorbed in an activity, he will spend several hours doing it. It is important to encourage such hobbies.

Parents need to understand that hyperactivity in children does not in any way affect their intelligence and talent. These are often gifted children; in addition to treatment, they need education aimed at developing the skills given by nature. Usually they sing well, dance, design, recite poems, and enjoy performing in public.

Types of disease

Hyperactivity syndrome in children may have different symptoms, since this disease has several forms:

1. Attention deficit without excessive activity. Most often this variety occurs in girls. They dream a lot, have a wild imagination, and often lie.
2. Increased excitability without attention deficit. This is the rarest pathology, accompanied by damage to the central nervous system.
3. Classic ADHD. The most common form, its course scenario is individual for each case.

Regardless of how the disease progresses, it must be treated. To do this, you need to undergo several examinations, interact with doctors, psychologists, and teachers. In most cases, children are prescribed sedatives. A consultation with a psychoanalyst is mandatory for parents. They must learn to accept the illness and not put “labels” on the child.

Diagnostic features

At the first visit to specialists, it is impossible to make a diagnosis. A final verdict requires observation lasting about six months. It is carried out by specialists:

• psychologist;
• neurologist;
• psychiatrist.

All family members are often afraid of going to a psychiatrist. Do not hesitate to come to him for a consultation. An experienced specialist will help you correctly assess the condition of a small patient and prescribe treatment. The examination should include:

• conversation or interview;
• behavior observation;
• neuropsychological testing;
• filling out questionnaires by parents.

Based on this data, doctors receive complete information about the behavior of a small patient, which allows them to distinguish an active baby from one who has disorders. Other pathologies may be hidden behind hyperactivity, so you should be prepared to undergo:

• Brain MRI;
• ECHO CG;
• blood tests.

In order to promptly identify concomitant pathologies, it is necessary to consult with an endocrinologist, epileptologist, speech therapist, ophthalmologist, and otolaryngologist. It is important to wait for a final diagnosis.
If doctors refuse to refer you for examinations, contact the head of the clinic or work through psychologists from educational institutions.

Complex treatment

There is no universal ADHD pill yet. Children are always prescribed complex treatment. Some recommendations on how to help a hyperactive child:

1. Correction of motor activity. Children should not play competitive sports. Demonstrations of achievements (without evaluations) and static loads are acceptable. Suitable sports: swimming, skiing, cycling. Aerobic exercise is allowed.
2. Interaction with a psychologist. Techniques are used to reduce the level of anxiety of a small patient and to increase his communication skills. Success scenarios are modeled and activities are selected to help increase self-esteem. The specialist gives exercises to develop memory, speech, and attention. If the violations are serious, then a speech therapist is involved in corrective classes.
3. A change of scenery and environment is useful. If the treatment is beneficial, the attitude towards the baby will be better in the new team.
4. Parents react sharply to behavioral problems of their children. Mothers are often diagnosed with depression, irritability, impulsiveness, and intolerance. Visiting a psychotherapist with the whole family allows you to quickly cope with hyperactivity.
5. Auto-training, classes in sensory relaxation rooms. They improve the activity of the nervous system and stimulate the cerebral cortex.
6. Correcting the behavior of the whole family, changing habits and daily routines.
7. Therapy using medications. In America, psychostimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. In Russia they are prohibited for use, since this group of medications has a lot of side effects. Doctors recommend nootropic drugs and sedatives that contain herbal ingredients.

Drug therapy is used only when other methods of treatment have failed. The use of nootropics for hyperactivity does not have an evidence base; they are usually prescribed to improve blood supply to the brain and normalize metabolic processes in it. Using these medications can improve memory and concentration.

Parents should be prepared for the course of treatment to last several months. Medicines give a positive effect after 4-6 months, but you will have to work with a psychologist for more than one year.

No one can be diagnosed with ADHD without testing. Only a specialist can see signs of hyperactivity in children. You should not make a diagnosis or prescribe medications on your own. Do not neglect the recommendations of specialists and conduct regular examinations. Many people are interested in the peculiarities of life in a family with a hyperactive child - what should parents do - the advice of a psychologist in this case is as follows:

1. Organize your day. Include consistent rituals. For example, before bed, give your baby a bath, change him into pajamas, and read a story. Do not change your daily routine, this will save you from hysterics and excitement in the evening.
2. A calm and friendly environment at home will help minimize energy emissions. Unexpected arrivals of guests and noisy parties are not a suitable atmosphere for children with hyperactivity.
3. Choose a sports section and make sure you attend classes regularly.
4. If the situation allows, do not limit the activity of the baby. He will throw out his energy and become calmer.
5. Punishments such as sitting still for long periods of time or doing tedious work are not suitable for children with ADHD.

Many people are interested in how to calm a hyperactive child. To do this, psychotherapists provide individual consultations based on changes in the educational process. First of all, keep in mind that with ADHD children deny any inhibitions.

Using the words “no” and “can’t” is sure to provoke hysterics. Psychologists recommend making sentences without using direct negatives.

Tantrums need to be prevented. This can be done by correcting behavior.

Another problem with ADHD is lack of time control and frequent attention shifts. Gently guide your child back to the goal. Make sure that the task takes a certain amount of time to complete. Give directions or teach lessons sequentially. Don't ask multiple questions at once.

Spend a lot of time with overly active children and pay attention to them. Engage in joint activities with them: walk through the forest, pick berries and mushrooms, go on picnics or hikes.

At the same time, avoid noisy events that have a stimulating effect on the psyche. Change the background of your life. Instead of watching TV, turn on calm music and limit your time watching cartoons.

If a hyperactive baby is overexcited, do not yell at him and exclude physical violence. Speak to him in a calm and firm tone, hug him, take him to a quiet place (away from other children and people), find words of comfort, listen.

Features of the learning process

Treatment of hyperactivity in school-age children should be carried out jointly with teachers. They must know about the student’s problems and be able to engage him in class. Most often, programs with creative elements in classes and simplified presentation of material are used for this purpose.

Nowadays, inclusive education is being developed throughout the country, which, with the syndrome, allows children to gain knowledge not at home, but in a group. Problems and misunderstandings cannot be ruled out. The teacher must be able to resolve conflicts in the classroom.

During the lesson, hyperactive children need to be involved in active actions. The teacher should give such students small assignments. They can wash the blackboard, take out the trash, hand out notebooks, and go get chalk. A little warm-up during the lesson will allow you to splash out the accumulated energy.

Possible consequences

You shouldn’t let pathology take its course. The child is not able to cope with ADHD on his own. He will not outgrow this syndrome.

In advanced cases, hyperactivity leads to manifestations of physical aggression towards oneself and others:

• bullying by peers;
• fights;
• attempts to beat parents;
• suicidal tendencies.

Often a hyperactive student with a high IQ graduates from school with unsatisfactory grades. He cannot get an education at a university or college and has problems finding employment.

In an unfavorable social atmosphere, the schoolchild who grows up leads a marginal lifestyle, takes drugs or abuses alcohol.

In a supportive environment, ADHD can be beneficial. Mozart and Einstein are known to have had this syndrome. However, you should not rely only on natural data. Help your child realize his importance and direct his energy in the right direction.

Childhood hyperactivity is a condition in which the child’s activity and excitability significantly exceeds the norm. This causes a lot of trouble for parents, educators and teachers. And the child himself suffers from difficulties in communicating with peers and adults, which is fraught with the further formation of negative psychological characteristics of the individual.

How to identify and treat hyperactivity, what specialists should you contact to make a diagnosis, how to properly communicate with your child? All this is necessary to know in order to raise a healthy baby.

This is a neurological-behavioral disorder, which in the medical literature is often called hyperactive child syndrome.

It is characterized by the following violations:

• impulsive behavior;
• significantly increased speech and motor activity;
• attention deficit.

The disease leads to poor relationships with parents, peers, and poor performance at school. According to statistics, this disorder occurs in 4% of schoolchildren; in boys it is diagnosed 5-6 times more often.

The difference between hyperactivity and activity

Hyperactivity syndrome differs from the active state in that the baby’s behavior creates problems for the parents, those around him and himself.

It is necessary to contact a pediatrician, neurologist or child psychologist in the following cases: motor disinhibition and lack of attention appear constantly, behavior makes it difficult to communicate with people, school performance is low. You also need to consult a doctor if your child shows aggression towards others.

Causes

The causes of hyperactivity can be different:

• premature or ;
• intrauterine infections;
• the influence of harmful factors at work during a woman’s pregnancy;
• bad ecology;
• and physical overload of a woman during pregnancy;
• hereditary predisposition;
• unbalanced diet during pregnancy;
• immaturity of the central nervous system of the newborn;
• disturbances in the exchange of dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the infant’s central nervous system;
• excessive demands from parents and teachers on the child;
• disorders of purine metabolism in a baby.

Provoking factors

This condition can be provoked by the use of medications during pregnancy without the consent of a doctor. Possible exposure to drugs, smoking during gestation.

Conflict relationships in the family and family violence can contribute to the appearance of hyperactivity. Low academic performance, due to which the child is subject to criticism from teachers and punishment from parents, is another predisposing factor.

Symptoms

Signs of hyperactivity are similar at any age:

• anxiety;
• restlessness;
• irritability and tearfulness;
• poor sleep;
• stubbornness;
• inattention;
• impulsiveness.

In newborns

Hyperactivity in infants under one year of age is indicated by restlessness and increased physical activity in the crib; the brightest toys arouse short-term interest in them. When examined, such children often exhibit stigmata of disembryogenesis, including epicanthal folds, abnormal structure of the auricles and their low location, gothic palate, cleft lip, and cleft palate.

In children aged 2-3 years

Parents most often begin to notice manifestations of this condition from the age of 2 or even earlier. The child is characterized by increased capriciousness.

Already at the age of 2, mom and dad see that it is difficult to interest the baby in something, he is distracted from the game, spins in his chair, and is in constant motion. Usually such a child is very restless and noisy, but sometimes a 2-year-old baby surprises with his silence and lack of desire to come into contact with parents or peers.

Child psychologists believe that sometimes such behavior precedes the appearance of motor and speech disinhibition. At two years old, parents may observe signs of aggression in the child and a reluctance to obey adults, ignoring their requests and demands.

From the age of 3, manifestations of egoistic traits become noticeable. The child strives to dominate his peers in group games, provokes conflict situations, and disturbs everyone.

In preschoolers

Preschooler hyperactivity often manifests itself as impulsive behavior. Such children interfere in the conversations and affairs of adults and do not know how to play group games. Especially painful for parents are the hysterics and whims of a 5-6-year-old child in crowded places, his violent expression of emotions in the most inappropriate environment.

Preschool children show restlessness, they do not pay attention to comments made, interrupt, and shout down their peers. It is completely useless to reprimand and scold a 5-6 year old for hyperactivity; he simply ignores information and does not learn the rules of behavior well. Any activity captivates him for a short time, he is easily distracted.

Varieties

Behavioral disorder, which often has a neurological background, can occur in different ways.

Attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity

This disorder is characterized by the following behavioral features:

• listened to the task, but could not repeat it, immediately forgetting the meaning of what was said;
• cannot concentrate and complete an assignment, although he understands what his task is;
• does not listen to the interlocutor;
• does not respond to comments.

Hyperactivity without attention deficit disorder

This disorder is characterized by the following symptoms: fussiness, verbosity, increased motor activity, and the desire to be in the center of events. Also characterized by frivolity of behavior, a tendency to take risks and adventures, which often creates life-threatening situations.

Hyperactivity with attention deficit disorder

It is referred to in the medical literature as ADHD. We can talk about such a syndrome if the child has the following behavioral characteristics:

• cannot concentrate on completing a specific task;
• abandons the work he started without finishing it;
• selective attention, unstable;
• negligence, inattention in everything;
• does not pay attention to addressed speech, ignores offers of help in completing a task if it causes him difficulties.

Impaired attention and hyperactivity at any age make it difficult to organize your work, complete a task accurately and correctly, without being distracted by external interference. In everyday life, hyperactivity and attention deficit lead to forgetfulness and frequent loss of belongings.

Attention disorder with hyperactivity is fraught with difficulties when following even the simplest instructions. Such children are often in a hurry and commit rash acts that can harm themselves or others.

Possible consequences

At any age, this behavioral disorder interferes with social contacts. Due to hyperactivity, preschool children attending kindergarten have difficulty participating in group games with peers and communicating with them and teachers. Therefore, visiting kindergarten becomes a daily psychological trauma, which can adversely affect the further development of the individual.

Schoolchildren's academic performance suffers; going to school only brings negative emotions. The desire to study, to learn new things disappears, teachers and classmates are annoying, contact with them has only a negative connotation. The child withdraws into himself or becomes aggressive.

A child's impulsive behavior sometimes poses a threat to his health. This is especially true for children who break toys, have conflicts, and fight with other children and adults.

If you do not seek help from a specialist, a person may develop a psychopathic personality type with age. Hyperactivity in adults usually begins in childhood. One in five children with this disorder continue to have symptoms into adulthood.

The following features of hyperactivity are often observed:

• tendency to aggression towards others (including parents);
• suicidal tendencies;
• inability to participate in dialogue and make a constructive joint decision;
• lack of skills in planning and organizing one’s own work;
• forgetfulness, frequent loss of necessary things;
• refusal to solve problems that require mental effort;
• fussiness, verbosity, irritability;
• fatigue, tearfulness.

Diagnostics

The child's attention deficit and hyperactivity become noticeable to parents from an early age, but the diagnosis is made by a neurologist or psychologist. Usually, hyperactivity in a 3-year-old child, if it occurs, is no longer in doubt.

Diagnosing hyperactivity is a multi-step process. Anamnesis data is collected and analyzed (the course of pregnancy, childbirth, the dynamics of physical and psychomotor development, illnesses suffered by the child). The specialist is interested in the opinion of the parents themselves about the child’s development, assessment of his behavior at 2 years old, at 5 years old.

The doctor needs to find out how the adaptation to kindergarten went. During the reception, parents should not pull the child back or make comments to him. It is important for the doctor to see his natural behavior. If the child has reached the age of 5, a child psychologist will conduct tests to determine attentiveness.

The final diagnosis is made by a neurologist and child psychologist after receiving the results of electroencephalography and MRI of the brain. These examinations are necessary to exclude neurological diseases, which may result in impaired attention and hyperactivity.

Laboratory methods are also important:

• determining the presence of lead in the blood to exclude intoxication;
• biochemical blood test for thyroid hormones;
• Complete blood count to rule out anemia.

Special methods can be used: consultations with an ophthalmologist and audiologist, psychological testing.

Treatment

If a diagnosis of hyperactivity is made, complex therapy is necessary. It includes medical and pedagogical activities.

Educational work

Specialists in child neurology and psychology will explain to parents how to deal with their child’s hyperactivity. Kindergarten teachers and school teachers also need to have relevant knowledge. They must teach parents the correct behavior with their child and help them overcome difficulties in communicating with him. Specialists will help the student master relaxation and self-control techniques.

Changes in terms and conditions

You need to praise and encourage your child for any successes and good deeds. Emphasize positive character traits and support any positive endeavors. You can keep a diary with your child to record all his achievements. In a calm and friendly tone, talk about the rules of behavior and communication with others.

From the age of 2, the baby must get used to the daily routine, sleep, eat and play at certain times.

From the age of 5, it is advisable for him to have his own living space: a separate room or a corner fenced off from the common area. There should be a calm environment in the house; quarrels between parents and scandals are unacceptable. It is advisable to transfer the student to a class with fewer students.

To reduce hyperactivity at 2-3 years old, children need a sports corner (wall bars, children's parallel bars, rings, rope). Exercise and games will help relieve stress and expend energy.

What parents should not do:

• constantly pull back and scold, especially in front of strangers;
• humiliate the child with mocking or rude remarks;
• constantly speak strictly to the child, give instructions in a commanding tone;
• prohibit something without explaining to the child the reason for your decision;
• give too difficult tasks;
• demand exemplary behavior and only excellent grades at school;
• carry out household chores that were assigned to the child if he did not complete them;
• accustom to the idea that the main task is not to change behavior, but to receive a reward for obedience;
• use methods of physical force in case of disobedience.

Drug therapy

Drug treatment of hyperactivity syndrome in children plays only a supporting role. It is prescribed when there is no effect from behavioral therapy and special training.

The drug Atomoxetine is used to eliminate the symptoms of ADHD, but its use is only possible as prescribed by a doctor; there are undesirable effects. Results appear after about 4 months of regular use.

If the baby is diagnosed with this, he may also be prescribed psychostimulants. They are used in the morning. In severe cases, tricyclic antidepressants are used under medical supervision.

Games with hyperactive children

Even with board and quiet games, the hyperactivity of a 5-year-old child is noticeable. He constantly attracts the attention of adults with erratic and aimless body movements. Parents need to spend more time with their baby and communicate with him. Cooperative games are very useful.

It is effective to alternate calm board games - lotto, putting together puzzles, checkers, with outdoor games - badminton, football. Summer provides many opportunities to help a child with hyperactivity.

During this period, you should strive to provide your child with country holidays, long hikes, and teach swimming. During walks, talk more with your child, tell him about plants, birds, and natural phenomena.

Nutrition

Parents need to make adjustments to their diet. The diagnosis made by specialists implies the need to adhere to meal times. The diet should be balanced, the amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates should correspond to the age norm.

It is advisable to exclude fried, spicy and smoked foods, and carbonated drinks. Eat less sweets, especially chocolate, increase the amount of vegetables and fruits you consume.

Hyperactivity at school age

Increased hyperactivity in school-age children forces parents to seek medical help. After all, school makes completely different demands on a growing person than preschool institutions. He must remember a lot, gain new knowledge, and solve complex problems. The child is required to be attentive, persevering, and able to concentrate.

Study problems

Attention deficit and hyperactivity are noticed by teachers. The child is distracted during the lesson, physically active, does not respond to comments, and interferes with the lesson. The hyperactivity of younger schoolchildren at 6-7 years old leads to the fact that children do not learn the material well and do their homework carelessly. Therefore, they constantly receive criticism for poor performance and bad behavior.

Teaching children with hyperactivity often becomes a serious problem. A real struggle begins between such a child and the teacher, since the student does not want to fulfill the teacher’s demands, and the teacher fights for discipline in the class.

Problems with classmates

It is difficult to adapt to a group of children; it is difficult to find a common language with peers. The student begins to withdraw into himself and becomes secretive. In group games or discussions, he stubbornly defends his point of view, without listening to the opinions of others. At the same time, he often behaves rudely and aggressively, especially if people do not agree with his opinion.

Correction of hyperactivity is necessary for the child’s successful adaptation to the children’s group, good learning ability and further socialization. It is important to examine the baby at an early age and provide timely professional treatment. But in any case, parents must realize that most of all the child needs understanding and support.

Replies

Nowadays, children are increasingly talking about hyperactivity. Many people do not fully understand what this term means and apply it to all mobile and active children. However, hyperactivity is not just increased activity of the baby, it is a violation of the child’s behavioral reactions associated with impaired brain function.

What kind of hyperactive child is he? What should the parents of such a child do? After all, they will have to face a lot of problems, learn to correct their child’s behavior, and help him adapt to school, and this is usually very difficult.

The term “hyperactivity” itself means greatly increased activity and excitability of a person. Hyperactivity is most common in children, as they have less control over their emotions.

With hyperactivity, the nervous system is usually unbalanced. The child develops behavioral disorders that require correction. In the modern world, more and more children are suffering from this disorder.

Typically, a hyperactive child has the following disorders:

• Cannot concentrate attention on any action for a long time. This especially often causes problems at school.

After all, it is difficult for a child to sit through a lesson, listen to the teacher, and complete assignments. Such children are forgetful and absent-minded. Even sitting in front of the TV for a long time is problematic for such children.

• Increased emotionality and impulsiveness.

Hyperactive children often cannot control their emotions, splashing them out on others, and commit unexpected impulsive actions.

• Motor activity is excessive.

Many children, especially at preschool and primary school age, are quite active. However, hyperactive children stand out even against their background. They cannot sit still, they literally dance if they are seated. Their hands and legs are in motion, their eyes dart, their facial expressions change.

If a child has one or two of the above disorders, then most likely these are simply age-related behavioral characteristics. With age, the child will learn to better control his emotions, and his behavior will level out. However, if the baby has all of the listed disorders, then this is a reason to consult a specialist.

It is important to suspect and diagnose this disorder in time, rather than later reap the fruits of misunderstanding your child.

From a medical point of view, hyperactivity - hyperdynamic syndrome - is a diagnosis. It can be installed by a neurologist or neurologist. Most often, this diagnosis is associated with minimal brain dysfunction and dysfunction of the central nervous system.

In the next video, Dr. Komarovsky will tell you what hyperactivity is:

When it appears

It is believed that hyperdynamic activity syndrome manifests itself most clearly in preschool (4-5 years) and primary school age (6-8 years). The child ends up in a children's group and cannot withstand the modern pace of learning.

All the signs of his hyperactivity immediately appear: the teacher or educator cannot cope with the child, he does not master the curriculum and other problems of his behavioral disorders.

However, the first signs of hyperdynamic syndrome can be detected in infancy. Such babies are very active and emotional: they get unstuck from their diapers, fall, if you just turn away for a moment, they sleep poorly, their sleep is superficial, restless, and they can scream all night for no reason.

As they grow older, the behavior of hyperactive children continues to “delight” their parents: they get out of playpens and strollers, often fall, get into everything, and knock over everything.

Babies are already 1-2 years old and active and overly mobile; mothers can barely keep up with them. They are not interested in games where you need to think, add, build. It is difficult for a hyperactive child to finish listening to a fairy tale or watching a cartoon; he cannot sit still.

What should parents do if they suspect their child has hyperactivity disorder?

Norm or pathology. False hyperactivity

Very often, hyperactivity is confused with normal child behavior, because most children aged 3-7 years are quite active and impulsive, and have difficulty controlling emotions. If a child is restless and often distracted, then they say that he is hyperactive. However, for elementary school children, a lack of concentration and the inability to sit still for a long time is usually the norm. Therefore, hyperdynamic syndrome can be difficult to diagnose.

If a child, in addition to attention deficit and increased activity, has problems establishing relationships with peers, is inattentive to the feelings of others, does not learn from his mistakes, and does not know how to adapt to the environment, then these signs indicate a pathology - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

From a neurological point of view, this diagnosis is quite serious and the child needs treatment, the sooner the better.

Diagnostics

If parents suspect that their child has ADHD, they should consult a pediatric neurologist. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate examination that needs to be completed. Indeed, more serious pathologies may be hidden under the symptoms of hyperdynamic syndrome.
Diagnostics includes three stages:

1. The doctor collects data on the child’s behavior and reactions, about the peculiarities of pregnancy and childbirth, previous diseases, hereditary pathologies of family members.
2. Conducts special tests and evaluates results and the amount of time spent, as well as the reaction and behavior of the child in this case. Usually such tests are carried out for children 5-6 years old.
3. Electroencephalogram. This examination assesses the condition of the child's brain. It is painless and harmless.

After receiving all the results, the neurologist makes a diagnosis and gives his conclusion.

Signs

The main signs that help recognize a child’s hyperactivity:

1. The child has increased causeless motor activity. He spins all the time, jumps, runs, climbs everywhere, even if he knows that he shouldn’t. It lacks the process of inhibition in the central nervous system. He just can't contain himself.
2. Can't sit still, if you sit him down, he spins, gets up, fidgets, and cannot sit still.
3. When talking, he often interrupts the interlocutor and does not listen to the question. to the end, speaks off topic, does not think.
4. Can't sit quietly. Even when playing, he makes noise, squeaks, and makes unconscious movements.
5. He can’t stand in line, he’s capricious and nervous.
6. Has problems interacting with peers. Interferes in other people's games, pesters children, and does not know how to make friends.
7. Does not take into account the feelings and needs of other people.
8. The child is very emotional and has no ability to control either positive or negative emotions.. Often causes scandals and hysterics.
9. Child's sleep is restless, during the day he often doesn’t sleep at all. In his sleep he tosses and turns, curls up into a ball.
10. Quickly loses interest in activities, jumping from one to another and not finishing.
11. The child is distracted and inattentive, cannot concentrate, and often makes mistakes because of this.

Parents of hyperactive children face difficulties from an early age. The child does not obey his parents, he needs to be monitored all the time, he is constantly nearby.

You can learn more about the signs of this syndrome by watching the video:

Causes

Experts consider the following situations to be the main reasons that can cause dysfunction of the child’s nervous system, and, consequently, hyperactivity syndrome:

• Heredity (genetic predisposition)
• Damage to brain cells in the prenatal period or during labor.

This may be fetal hypoxia, infections, birth injuries.

• Disorders caused by an unfavorable family environment, abnormal living conditions, improper educational process, illnesses and injuries after birth.

According to statistical data, male children are more likely to suffer from hyperactivity.. For every five boys, only one girl is diagnosed with this condition.

Classification of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

There are the following types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):

1. Hyperdynamic syndrome without attention deficit.
2. Attention deficit disorder is present, but without hyperactivity (it usually occurs in female children - these are calm, absent-minded, quiet girls).
3. Combination of attention deficit disorder and hyperdynamism.

ADHD can be primary, occurring in utero, or secondary (acquired), acquired after birth as a result of injury or disease.

There is also a distinction between a simple form of the disease and a complicated one. In the complicated form of ADHD, other signs are added to the symptoms: nervous tics, stuttering, enuresis, headaches.

Treatment

Treatment of ADHD requires a comprehensive approach. Some procedures, medications, and diets are used, but the main emphasis is on psychological correction and the right approach to raising a hyperactive child.

In Europe and the United States, psychostimulant drugs are widely used to treat ADHD. They are quite effective, but have many side effects. The main ones are digestive disorders, headaches, insomnia, and growth retardation. In Russia, ADHD is treated with nootropic drugs that have a positive effect on brain function (Holitilin, Encephabol, Cortexin).

These remedies are more effective for attention deficit.
When focusing on hyperdynamic syndrome, drugs are used that affect the inhibitory reactions of the central nervous system (Fentibut, Pantogam).

Only a doctor can prescribe medications! The medication is taken under the supervision of a specialist. In addition, it is possible to use procedures involving brain stimulation with weak pulses of electric current.

The child's nutrition is also important. So, with an unbalanced diet, children’s metabolism is disrupted, which can provoke irritability and moodiness. A growing body requires protein, vitamins and minerals. The diet should contain foods with high levels of Omega 3 fats, which have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system. But it is better to reduce the amount of sweets and carbohydrates. It is better to give your child berries and fruits. You can leave a little dark chocolate in your diet.

Psychological correction of the child’s behavior is mandatory during treatment. The psychologist helps the child better understand his actions, and also gives advice to parents on building relationships with such a child and methods of raising and teaching him.

Most children “outgrow” this disease if they have no complications and receive timely treatment. In some cases, ADHD continues into adulthood, especially if timely and adequate assistance is not provided to the child.

You can learn more about the treatment of the syndrome from the video:

Features of communication with such children

Raising a hyperactive child can be difficult. Even with strong love for their child, parents cannot always withstand all his tricks; they often break down and scream. And it happens that they stop raising him altogether, deciding “what he grows up, he grows up.”

It is not uncommon for parents to try to instill strict discipline in such a child, brutally suppressing all his antics and disobedience. The child is punished for the slightest offense. However, such upbringing only aggravates the child's behavior problems. He becomes more withdrawn, insecure, and disobedient.

You should not go too far in relation to children with ADHD, so as not to add new problems to existing disorders(stuttering, urinary incontinence, etc.). It is necessary to find a different approach to each child with ADHD, taking into account his neurological characteristics.

What should parents, educators and teachers do?

A child with hyperdynamic syndrome requires a lot of parental attention. It is necessary to try to listen to him, help him complete tasks, develop his perseverance and interaction with the outside world. He needs praise and rewards, approval and support, more parental love. Before punishing a child, parents should take into account that he is quite normal in intelligence, but he has problems regulating his motor activity. Therefore, he does not deliberately do what he was forbidden, but simply cannot stop himself.

It is necessary to properly organize your daily routine. Come up with your own rituals. Walk outside more. It is advisable to enroll your child in a sports section. Swimming, gymnastics, running, horse riding, and sports dancing are good options. It is also necessary to set up a sports corner at home so that the child has a place to splash out his energy.

When sending your child to kindergarten, you need to choose the appropriate one in advance, where there are groups with the opportunity to play, children actively move, complete tasks and answer as desired. Talk to the teacher about the baby's special needs.

If a child’s behavior causes a conflict in the kindergarten, then it is better to take him away from there. You can’t blame the baby that it’s his fault, say that this group just didn’t suit him.

Studying at school also has its difficulties. Discuss what a teacher should do so as not to traumatize a hyperactive child and help him adapt in the classroom. When doing homework, you should prepare in advance and avoid distractions. Classes should be short but effective so that the child does not lose attention. IN

It is important to do your homework regularly, at the same time. It is necessary to observe the child and determine the most appropriate time: after meals or after physical activity.
When punishing a hyperactive child, you should not choose those that do not allow him to move: put him in a corner, sit him on a special chair.

Positive qualities of hyperactive children

Despite all the unpleasant behavioral characteristics of children with hyperdynamic syndrome, they also have many positive qualities, the development of which parents should pay special attention to.

• A hyperactive child has creative, creative thinking.

He can come up with a lot of interesting ideas, and if you have enough patience, he can be creative. Such a child is easily distracted, but has a unique view of the world around him.

• Hyperactive children are usually enthusiastic. They are never boring.

They are interested in many things and are, as a rule, bright personalities.

• Such children are energetic and active, but often unpredictable.

If they have a motive, then they do everything faster than ordinary children.

• A child with ADHD is very flexible, resourceful, and can find a way out where others would not notice, and solve a problem in an unusual way.

The intelligence of children with ADHD is not impaired in any way. Very often they have high artistic and intellectual abilities.

Specific ways to communicate and interact with such children are given in the following video:

Psychologists note that if a child has signs of hyperactivity, then they should begin to eliminate them, the sooner the better. This approach helps to avoid difficulties arising from the child’s behavioral disorders, stress and disappointment on the part of his parents and surrounding people, and even the baby himself. Therefore, when a diagnosis of ADHD is established, you should not neglect the help of a specialist doctor and psychologist, so as not to waste time.

Psychologists note that a properly organized daily routine and a favorable family environment helps a child in the treatment of ADHD. In addition, the psychologist’s advice is as follows:

1. Provide your child with a calm, stable, non-stimulating environment. This will help reduce the accumulation and release of strong emotions.
2. He must develop the necessary reflexes that will help him strictly adhere to the daily routine. For example, go to bed after mom reads a fairy tale or sings a song.
3. To relieve excess physical activity, it is necessary to organize classes for the child in sports sections.
4. Do not force a hyperactive child to do tedious work for a long time or sit in one place. Periodically allow active activities to release excess energy.

Eliminating problems associated with hyperactivity in children is a completely feasible task. The main thing is to give the child the opportunity to throw out excess energy, to interest him in the learning process, to develop creative abilities, and most importantly to take into account the child’s characteristics when assessing his actions.

Cartoons for the prevention of hyperactivity.

The following cartoons will help your child understand more about his condition; by discussing the plot and characters with your child, you can help him fight this problem.

So the list of cartoons:

• "Fidget, Myakish and Netak"
• “Masha is no longer lazy”
• “He’s so absent-minded”
• "Wings, Legs, and Tails"
• "Petya Pyatochkin"
• "Monkeys"
• "Naughty Bear"
• "I don't want to"
• "Octopuses"
• "Naughty Kitten"
• "Fidget"

is a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), neurological and behavioral disorders that develop in childhood. The behavior of a hyperactive child is characterized by restlessness, distractibility, difficulty concentrating, impulsiveness, increased motor activity, etc. A hyperactive child requires a neuropsychological and neurological (EEG, MRI) examination. Helping a hyperactive child involves individual psychological and pedagogical support, psychotherapy, non-drug and drug therapy.

According to the criteria developed by the DSM in 1994, ADHD can be recognized if a child maintains at least 6 signs of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity over a six-month period. Therefore, upon initial contact with specialists, a diagnosis of ADHD is not made, but the child is observed and examined. In the process of clinical and psychological examination of a hyperactive child, methods of interview, conversation, and direct observation are used; obtaining information from teachers and parents using diagnostic questionnaires, neuropsychological testing.

The need for a basic pediatric and neurological examination is due to the fact that ADHD-like syndrome may hide various somatic and neurological disorders (hyperthyroidism, anemia, epilepsy, chorea, hearing and vision impairment, and many others). For the purpose of clarifying diagnosis, a hyperactive child may be prescribed consultations with specialized pediatric specialists (pediatric endocrinologist, pediatric otolaryngologist, pediatric ophthalmologist, epileptologist), EEG, MRI of the brain, general and biochemical blood tests, etc. Consultation with a speech therapist allows for the diagnosis of disorders of written speech and outline a plan for corrective work with a hyperactive child.

Hyperactivity in children should be differentiated from fetal alcohol syndrome, post-traumatic damage to the central nervous system, chronic lead poisoning, manifestations of individual characteristics of temperament, pedagogical neglect, mental retardation, etc.

ADHD correction

A hyperactive child needs comprehensive individualized support, including psychological and pedagogical correction, psychotherapy, non-drug and medicinal correction.

A hyperactive child is recommended to have a gentle learning regimen (small-sized classes, shortened lessons, dosed tasks), adequate sleep, nutritious meals, long walks, and sufficient physical activity. Due to increased excitability, the participation of hyperactive children in public events should be limited. Under the guidance of a child psychologist and psychotherapist, autogenic training, individual, group, family and behavioral psychotherapy, body-oriented therapy, and biofeedback technologies are conducted. In the correction of ADHD, the entire environment of the hyperactive child should be actively involved: parents, educators, school teachers.

Pharmacotherapy is an auxiliary method for correcting ADHD. It involves the administration of atomoxetine hydrochloride, which blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and improves synaptic transmission in various brain structures; nootropic drugs (pyritinol, cortexin, choline alfoscerate, phenibut, hopantenic acid); micronutrients (magnesium, pyridoxine), etc. In some cases, a good effect is achieved using kinesiotherapy, cervical spine massage, and manual therapy.

Elimination of written speech disorders is carried out within the framework of targeted speech therapy sessions for the correction of dysgraphia and dyslexia.

Prediction and prevention of ADHD

Timely and comprehensive correctional work allows a hyperactive child to learn to build relationships with peers and adults, control his own behavior, and prevent difficulties in social adaptation. Psychological and pedagogical support for a hyperactive child contributes to the formation of socially acceptable behavior. In the absence of attention to the problems of ADHD in adolescence and adulthood, the risk of social maladjustment, alcoholism and drug addiction increases.

Prevention of hyperactivity disorder and attention deficit disorder should begin long before the birth of a child and include providing conditions for the normal course of pregnancy and childbirth, caring for the health of children, and creating a favorable microclimate in the family and children's team.