Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Hyperactivity & Impulsivity

Source: National Institute of Mental Health; NIH Publication No. 3572 (extract)

Hyperactive children

Hyperactive children always seem to be "on the go" or constantly in motion.

They dash around touching or playing with whatever is in sight, or talk incessantly. Sitting still at dinner or during a school lesson or story can be a difficult task.

They squirm and fidget in their seats or roam around the room. Or they may wiggle their feet, touch everything, or noisily tap their pencil.

Hyperactive teenagers or adults may feel internally restless. They often report needing to stay busy and may try to do several things at once.

Impulsive children

Impulsive children seem unable to curb their immediate reactions or think before they act. They will often blurt out inappropriate comments, display their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for the later consequences of their conduct.

Their impulsivity may make it hard for them to wait for things they want or to take their turn in games. They may grab a toy from another child or hit when they're upset.

Even as teenagers or adults, they may impulsively choose to do things that have an immediate but small payoff rather than engage in activities that may take more effort yet provide much greater but delayed rewards.

Some signs of hyperactivity-impulsivity are:

• Feeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming while seated
• Running, climbing, or leaving a seat in situations where sitting or quiet behavior is expected
• Blurting out answers before hearing the whole question
• Having difficulty waiting in line or taking turns.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health; NIH Publication No. 3572 (extract)
Added: 29th June 2007

Looking for help with a problem your child is having with ADHD?

If your child is suffering from an emotional or psychological health problem, then be assured... help is available.

Children with psychological or emotional difficulties such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often respond really well to the therapies available today that use the power of your child's imagination.

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often respond really well to things like hypnotherapy, where they get to enjoy using the power of their imagination. They often come away from hypnotherapy sessions feeling 'lighter'.

Avon Hypnotherapy's Paul Douglass describes the hypnotherapy sessions for children...

"They feel comfortable with a non-judgemental therapist, and can often allow themselves to express feelings of embarrasment, guilt or shame for example, that they can't 'offload' anywhere else.

The children often really enjoy the sessions, and indeed, the mums and dads that get involved often gain a lot from the session too!"

Read the full article: Hypnotherapy for Children, by Paul Douglass MIAPH Acc.

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