Contrary to popular belief, hyperactivity is not a learning disorder, but a behavioral disorder. In other words, hyperactivity is a personality trait that can cause behavioral disorders.
Hyperactive children are more dynamic than normal, act impulsively, and cannot focus their attention (on subjects that are not of interest) for more than a few minutes. Hyperactivity is a problem that is seen in 3-5% of school-age children and is more common in boys. Hyperactivity is a source of great stress for the child himself, as well as for the family. Hyperactive children are aware that their behavior is distracting andannoying, but they can’t do anything. Parents need to be understanding about this issue and show love and support to their children. Parents should collaborate with their children’s doctors and teachers to cope with the challenges of hyperactivity.
If the child has hyperactivity in the foreground, he / she cannot stand still, cannot sit even if he / she needs to sit down, runs and moves out of place, climbs high, talks excessively, has difficulty playing quiet and calmly, is constantly busy with things, has difficulty in waiting his turn, interferes with events or conversations.
If attention deficit is at the forefront, the child has difficulty concentrating on a job or game, cannot follow instructions from beginning to end, frequently loses school supplies, has difficulty listening to a conversation from beginning to end, appears disorganized, overlooks details, has difficulty doing tasks that require mental effort for a long time His memory is weak, his interest is easily diverted.
The causes of hyperactivity are not fully known. However, some researchers focus on various reasons. According to this; There may be a problem with the chemical substances that enable message exchange in the brains of hyperactive children. If one or both parents have hyperactivity, their children are also likely to have symptoms of hyperactivity. Hyperactivity can also be seen after childhood illnesses. Developmental problems experienced by the child may also be linked to hyperactivity. Congenital or acquired damage to the brain tissue can cause hyperactivity.
There is no definitive treatment to eliminate hyperactivity yet, but there are some that can alleviate the symptoms of hyperactivity.
If our child is hyperactive, he can lead a normal life with the mutual exchange of ideas and cooperation of his doctor, teacher, counselor and family members.
Medicine Treatments: According to some opinions, stimulant medicines are very useful in the treatment of hyperactivity. These drugs reduce dynamism and increase attention span. As long as the child takes these medicines, he is more calm and careful. According to some opinions, these medicines cause serious side effects (headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, depression, etc.). According to some opinions, medicine treatment is not useful.
If your child is going to be on medication, make sure to see your doctor regularly. Thus, your child’s general health will be kept under surveillance.
Psychological and pedagogical treatments: Medicines should not be used as only treatment method in the treatment of hyperactivity. Supportive treatments to be applied in cooperation with teachers, counselor and other family members are very important. It is important for the parents to be educated and conscious about their approach to the child. The child should receive psychotherapy and pedagogical therapies so that he can control himself and express his emotions effectively. In this way, the gains provided by the drug will also be long-term.
Sedat Dortkardes