Most people have the occasional urge to be active, fidget, clean the entire house or run around the block. Although bouts of hyperactive behavior are common, not everyone has hyperactivity disorder. A diagnosis of is marked by consistent and often uncontrolled impulsivity, inattention and distractibility. Hyperactivity can be a sign of health problems, mental issues, a symptom of childhood attention deficit disorder, a reaction to medication or even just a personality trait in particular people. Certain causes can be serious and require help from a physician.
Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention deficit disorder generally strikes children; however, adults can also be affected by attention deficit disorder (ADD). One of the hallmarks of ADD is hyperactivity, especially marked by constant motion and impulsivity. Also, lack of sleep is another trademark of hyperactivity that goes along with attention deficit disorder. Approximately 9 percent of U.S. children are diagnosed as suffering from attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
Food Allergies
Hyperactivity can sometimes be triggered by food allergies. The most common triggers are food additive, dyes in foods (especially yellow food dyes), eggs, milk, wheat, soy and fish including shellfish. Every child and adult is different, and therefore, all foods may not trigger hyperactivity in each person.
Too Much Carbohydrate Consumption
Sugar is a well-known culprit of hyperactive episodes. As the body processes the sugars, it turns them into carbohydrates that our bodies use for energy. Overloading the body with sugar leads to a "sugar rush" of energy. Some people, especially children, also have hyperactivity reactions to artificial sweeteners.
Medications
Some medications have hyperactivity listed as a side effect. Children are susceptible to additives that are in some medications. A child might exhibit hyperactivity due to the added ingredients in the medication rather than to the medication itself. Sudefed and cold medications often cause hyperactivity symptoms, especially in small children. ADD medications are actually stimulants. In children they have a reverse effect and calm the child, but in some adults, they can actually cause the hyperactivity they are trying to prevent.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism results when the thyroid produces too many of the thyroid hormones. A result of hyperthyroidism is hyperactivity. Hyperactivity alone is not an indication of hyperthyroidism, but it can simply be a result of having an overactive thyroid gland. Only a doctor can diagnosis hyperthyroidism through appropriate blood work.
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