Hyperactivity Health Dictionary

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Hyperactivity: From 3 Different Sources

Hyperkinesis. Physically over-active. “Like a human jet engine at top velocity.” Excessive motor-nerve activity.

Causes: considerable evidence implicates side-effects of sugar, caffeine, mercurials and other mineral salts that find their way into the body in food additives, dental fillings, etc. Other related factors: exposure to television radiation, fluorescent lighting, environmental toxins, stress, genetic. Studies show a lack of zinc to be a factor.

Symptoms. Always thirsty yet urine is highly concentrated, revealing a deficiency of essential fatty acids (for which Evening Primrose is indicated). Impulsive disposition, nasal congestion, pallor, dark circles under eyes. Insomnia. Difficulty concentrating, clumsiness, low tolerance to failure.

Alternatives. Since an individual’s chemistry is unique, it may be necessary to experiment with one or two agents before concentrating on ones more effective.

To normalise motor activity: Passion flower, St John’s Wort, Xia ku cao (Chinese).

Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Passion flower, Skullcap, Valerian. Mix. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup water brought to boil and simmered one minute. Infuse 15 minutes. Dose: half-1 cup thrice daily.

Powders, liquid extracts, tinctures. Formula: Valerian 1; Hops (Lupulin) 1; Wild Lettuce 2. Dose: Powders, 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid Extracts, 30-60 drops. Tinctures, 1-2 teaspoons, thrice daily.

Evening Primrose oil capsules. One 500mg capsule morning and evening.

Diet. Wholefoods, raw-food days, reformed dietary pattern.

Aromatherapy. Oil of Lavender.

Supplementation. Daily: Vitamin B-complex; Vitamin C 500mg; Vitamin B6 50mg; Vitamin E 500iu; Niacin; Magnesium, Zinc. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia
A behaviour pattern in which children are overactive and have difficulty in concentrating.

The occasional occurrence of such behaviour in small children is considered normal.

However, persistent hyperactivity is known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which may require treatment.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
A pattern of behaviour, usually in children, characterised by inability to concentrate, accompanied by overactivity. (See also ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER (HYPERACTIVITY SYNDROME).)
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

(ADHD) A behavioural disorder in which a child has a consistently high level of activity and/or difficulty in attending to tasks. Attention deficit hyperactivity, or hyperkinetic, disorder affects up to 1 in 20 children in the. The disorder, which is more common in boys, should not be confused with the normal boisterous conduct of a healthy child. Children with consistently show abnormal patterns of behaviour over a period of time. An affected child is likely to be restless, unable to sit still for more than a few moments, inattentive, and impulsive.

The causes of are not fully understood, but the disorder often runs in families, which suggests that genetic factors may be involved. is not, as popularly believed, a result of poor parenting or abuse.

Symptoms develop in early childhood, usually between the ages of 3 and 7, and may include inability to finish tasks; short attention span; inability to concentrate in class; difficulty in following instructions; a tendency to talk excessively, frequently interrupting other people; difficulty in waiting or taking turns; inability to play quietly alone; and physical impulsiveness. Children with may have difficulty in forming friendships. Self-esteem is often low because an affected child is frequently scolded and criticized.

Treatment includes behaviour modification techniques, both at home and at school. In some children, avoidance of certain foods or food additives seems to reduce symptoms. In severe cases, stimulant drugs, usually methylphenidate, may be prescribed. Paradoxically, the use of stimulants in reduces hyperactivity and improves concentration. In general, the condition improves by adolescence but may be followed by antisocial behaviour and drug abuse or substance abuse.... attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder (hyperactivity Syndrome)

A lifelong disorder characterised by overactive behaviour, short attention span and poor concentration. It is thought to be caused by a minor abnormality that affects the part of the brain that allows us to concentrate and focus on tasks. Some scientists have suggested that it may be caused by particular foods, particularly processed foods containing arti?cial additives, and recommend special diets. In some countries, attention de?cit disorder is diagnosed in up to a tenth of all children; this may re?ect di?erences in paediatric practice and diagnosis rather than a real variation in prevalence of the disorder. Behaviour therapy is the main treatment. Those children with very severe symptoms of restlessness, short attention span and disturbed behaviour may respond to additional treatment with methylphenidate (Ritalin®). This is an amphetamine-like drug that is thought to stimulate the part of the brain that is not working properly. Use of this drug has, however, been controversial.... attention deficit disorder (hyperactivity syndrome)

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