Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is a condition where people become abnormally excitable and exuberant. Although the condition must have existed for thousands of years, the word itself is relatively new, being first used in its present context in the 20th century.

Some people show symptoms of hyperactivity naturally, with the condition varying considerably from one person to another. It is generally believed to be common for children who have a very short concentration span and want to constantly be involved in a form of activity. Often, it may involve strong emotional reactions, and may show itself in symptoms such as fidgeting, constant movement, and an inability to concentrate for long. At its worst, hyperactivity can become [Page 874]serious because it can inhibit learning in schools, the following of emergency instructions, or getting along with colleagues in the workplace, and can, on occasions, be harmful to themselves and/or others.

Medical research in hyperactivity is generally connected with what has been called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with experts disputing the level of its prevalence in society. Under normal circumstances, young children can be lively and have short attention spans. Similarly, teenage children can also, at times, have short attention spans through puberty. Boredom and suffering from mental conflict such as problems at home can also lead to hyperactivity. This often reflects itself on children being unsettled at school, or an inability to read for any substantial period, and with children being keen to involve themselves in activities including those that are antisocial. At home, it also reflects itself in not being able to concentrate on any specific task, watching television, and constantly changing between channels, or being unable to maintain a reasonable posture throughout a meal or other family occasion.

There have been many views as to how hyperactivity can be caused. Popular beliefs involve the consumption of too much sugar, either through red-colored cordial, or more often, through large-scale consumption of sugary soft drinks, especially those that contain caffeine, certain chocolate confections, and the like. Teachers and parents often claim that eating particular food or drinking specific drinks do result in children becoming far more rowdy, excitable, and energetic, and this has led to some schools trying to change the food children eat either by providing healthier food for school lunches or trying to influence their choices by not making certain items available. In recent years, there have been a number of books that have been published which seek to answer problems raised by parents and teachers.