Levels of Hyperactivity

Date: Wednesday, August 10, 1994 1:08:21 AM

As you know, there can be attention problems without hyperactivity. I'm sure you're aware of the list of symptoms for attention deficits:

• often fails to give attention to details and makes careless mistakes;

• often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks;

• often does not seem to listen to what is being said to him/her;

• often does not follow through on instructions, fails to finish tasks;

• often has difficulty oganizing tasks and activities;

• often avoids or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort;

• often loses things necessary for tasks or activities;

• is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli;

• is often forgetful in daily activities.

Note that "hyperactivity/impulsivity" is not required for a diagnosis of Attention Deficit. That may or may not be present. In some cases, there's no hyperactivity at all. And the attention disorder may manifest as a somewhat passive, dreamy, "in his/her own world" type of behavior. Maybe not a problem to the adults in his or her world at all, but still not exactly able to function well either. (The classic Underachievers)

There are also varying degrees of hyperactivity, from extreme to very mild which might include only minor squirming, or foot swinging, or pencil tapping.

The "situational hyperactivity" diagnosis we received for our son, while not necessarily a proper diagnosis, was a somewhat accurate description that fitted the polar opposite descriptions of our child by the school personnel and by us. At school, he was passive, underactive, and daydreamy. At home, especially after a day at school, he hit the door tantruming--kicked the dog and screamed hysterically at the least provocation.

The psychologist who evaluated him (at age 8) noted his "rigidity of posture" and discussed with us his sense that Chris was straining to maintain concentration and attention on task throughout the evaluation. He also discussed with us the possibility that, while he was able to maintain some semblence of calm and attentiveness during school that it was only with a considerable amount of stress. And, that when he retreated to a "safe place" such as home, it wasn't any wonder that he tended to "explode".

So, by "situational", I mean that my son was able to choose when and where he "lost it". He could hold it together and appear to be calm in some situations, but when he got to a place where he felt safe, he did exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity.

The key here though is that hyperactivity is not necessarily a diagnosis for attention disorders. If you're feeling like Josh has some problems with inattention (and you're seeing a pattern of more than 6 months durations which it sounds like you may be), then you probably should continue to pursue a diagnosis.

Hope this helps a little.

Elna Hensley <74631.276@compuserve.com>

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Last Modified: Thursday, October 02, 1997 9:34:45 PM