Hyperactivity is a term that describes a person who moves, talks, fidgets, and interrupts more than is typical. Children who are hyperactive may run, jump, and climb more than their peers. Adults who are hyperactive may pace or fidget a great deal.
Along with excessive movement, people who are hyperactive often behave impulsively. They may also have a short attention span and be easily distracted.
Hyperactivity is usually associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But hyperactivity can also be caused by many other things, including medications or mental or physical illness.
Hyperactivity is not a disorder in itself. It is a symptom that can be caused by a number of different issues, both in children and in adults. In some cases, hyperactivity is simply excess energy that needs to be channeled more appropriately.
Symptoms may look like:
- Fidgeting
- Aggressive behavior
- Inattentiveness
- Lack of focus
- Interrupting or blurting