Hyperactive behavior may be related to a vision or hearing loss, a communication disorder such as an inability to properly process incoming symbols and ideas, emotional stress, seizures, or sleep disorders. It can also be related to cerebral palsy, lead poisoning, prenatal alcohol or drug abuse, a reaction to certain medicines or foods, and birth complications such as oxygen deprivation or injury at birth. These problems must be ruled out as the cause of the behavior before treating a child for hyperactivity.

True hyperactive behavior interferes with a child's home, school, and social life. Hyperactive children have trouble paying attention and learning. Because they are unable to screen out stimuli, they are very easily distracted. These children may talk a lot, too loudly, and at inappropriate times. Hyperactive children are in constant motion, always into something, and unable to sit still. They are impulsive. They don't stop to look or listen. Because of their amazing and seemingly endless energy, curiosity, and need to explore, they are prone to hurt themselves and to break and damage things. Hyperactive children have a low tolerance for frustration. They argue with parents, teachers, adults, and friends. They have temper tantrums and rapid mood swings. These children also tend to cling. They need lots of attention and reassurance. It is important for parents to realize that hyperactive children understand rules, instructions, and social expectations. The problem is that they have a difficult time following them. These behaviors are accidental, not intentional.

For a hyperactive child and his family, a trip to an amusement park or a supermarket can be a disaster. There is simply too much going on-too much simultaneous input. Because of his inability to focus and the constant bombardment of stimuli, a hyperactive child can go into overload.

A hyperactive child may carry a heavy burden. Despite the learning-disabled label, this child is usually very intelligent. He knows that certain behaviors are not acceptable. But despite wanting to please, and to be polite and restrained, the hyperactive child just isn't able to maintain control. He can become frustrated, dismayed, and ashamed. He knows that the "smarts" are there, but he isn't able to slow his nervous system down long enough to harness the brain power necessary to complete an assignment.

The hyperactive child often feels separated and apart from peers, but doesn't understand why he is so different. He is bewildered by his own incapacities. Without the ability to complete normal childhood tasks in school, in the schoolyard, or in the home, the hyperactive child may suffer from stress, sadness, and low self-esteem.

A specialist in child behavior can help you distinguish between a normally active, energetic child and one who is truly hyperactive. Children, even toddlers, can run and play and create a happy commotion for hours without napping, sleeping, or looking the slightest bit tired. To ensure that a truly hyperactive child is properly treated-and to avoid inappropriate treatment of a normally active child-it is important that your child be accurately diagnosed.

During the first one or two visits to a new doctor, a hyperactive child may behave quietly and politely. Knowing what's expected, he may turn into a "model" child. Be prepared to describe, accurately and objectively, your child's behavior at home and in his social activities. If your child is having trouble at school, ask his teacher to speak with the doctor or send a written report. It may take several office visits before the hyperactive behavior becomes apparent. Don't worry. A child specialist can usually make an accurate diagnosis.

When treating a hyperactive child, your goal is to help him do the best he can, at home, at school, and with friends. Always remind yourself that your child is struggling mightily to overcome a nervous system handicap. Explain, if you must, but do not feel ashamed or guilty when your child misbehaves.

Parents of hyperactive children deserve an enormous amount of credit. It takes a lot of patience-and stamina-to love and support a hyperactive child through all the trials and frustrations that come with the condition. Parents of a hyperactive child are always concerned and watchful, always "on the alert." Consequently, it's easy to feel tired, overwhelmed, and frustrated at times. It is vitally important for parents of a hyperactive child to be good to themselves, to take appropriate breaks, to search out, and accept, help and support for themselves as well as for their child.

Conventional Treatment
Before any treatment, a physical examination should be done to rule out other causes for your child's behavior, such as chronic middle ear infection, sinusitis, visual or hearing problems, or other neurological problems.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most commonly prescribed medication for hyperactivity. This is a stimulant that has the paradoxical effect of calming the nervous system and enhancing the ability of a hyperactive child to pay attention. Ritalin can be taken when needed, so that a child need not take it, for example, on weekends or during vacations, when all that extra energy can find an outlet. Be sure, however, that you check with your doctor before taking your child off this medication. Potential side effects of Ritalin include insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss, slowed growth, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and an initial period of increased tearfulness and irritability.

Pemoline (Cylert) is a central nervous system stimulant that is often prescribed for hyperactivity. This medication enhances nerve impulse transmission in the brain. It can cause insomnia and so should be given at least six hours before bedtime. It is not recommended for children under six years of age.

Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) is another medication sometimes prescribed for hyperactivity. This drug is also a stimulant, but has the same paradoxical calming effect as Ritalin, as well as similar side effects.

Tricyclic antidepressant drugs, such as desipramine or nortriptyline (Pamelor) are less frequently prescribed. They are used mainly when an underlying depression is suspected.

Thiordazine (Mellaril) is a major tranquilizer that may be resorted to if a child is extremely aggressive, and then only in the most difficult situations.

In most circumstances, medication for hyperactivity can be stopped during the summer and resumed when school starts in the fall. This regimen may limit some of the long-term side effects of these drugs. After a summer without medication, it may be useful to permit your child to attend the first several weeks of school without medication. Consider this a trial period to determine whether your child can do without drugs. (Always talk to your doctor before discontinuing any medication for any length of time.)

SOME FACTS ABOUT HYPERACTIVITY Although many parents of energetic children ask their doctors about hyperactivity it is not a common disorder. According to an article in the British Journal of Psychiatry, only 3 percent of children are actually diagnosed with an attention deficit hyperactive disorder. Hyperactivity is ten times more common in boys than in girls. The exact cause or causes of hyperactivity are unknown. The medical community theorizes the disorder may result from genetic factors; chemical imbalance; injury or disease at or after birth; or a defect in the brain or central nervous system, with the result that the mechanism responsible for controlling attention capabilities and filtering out extraneous stimuli does not work properly. As many as half of all hyperactive children have fewer behavior problems when put on a diet free of such substances as artificial flavorings, food colorings, preservatives, monosodium glutamate, caffeine, sugar, and chocolate.

Dietary Guidelines
Before trying any other treatments, begin by eliminating refined sugar and food additives from your child's diet. Read labels carefully, and eliminate processed foods that contain artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives, commonly listed as benzoates, nitrates, and sulfites. Common food additives also include calcium silicate, BHT, BHA, benzoyl peroxide, emulsifiers, thickeners, stabilizers, vegetable gums, and food starch.

Salicylates are often implicated in hyperactivity. These are a bit trickier to eliminate from the diet; they occur naturally in addition to being used as additives. A number of popular fruits and vegetables contain salicylates, including almonds, apples, apricots, bananas, blueberries, cherries, grapes, grapefruits, lemons, melons, nectarines, oranges, peaches, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, cucumbers, peas, green peppers, hot peppers, pickles, and tomatoes.

A study cited in the journal Pediatrics reported that more than 50 percent of hyperactive children showed fewer behavior problems and had less trouble sleeping when put on a restricted diet. The diet that helped was free of all artificial and chemical food additives, chocolate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), preservatives, and caffeine.

For an in-depth look at diet and hyperactivity, investigate the findings described by Dr. Benjamin Feingold in his book Why Your Child Is Hyperactive (Random House, 1975). Dr. Feingold says that his study and clinical practice have convinced him that eliminating all synthetic food additives from a child's diet will resolve hyperactivity. The book offers explanations, food lists, recipes, and menus to help you design a diet for your child.

Nutritional Supplements
A liquid calcium and magnesium supplement is calming to the nervous system. After you have eliminated preservatives and sugar from your child's diet, give him this supplement. Children from five to seven years old should take 1 teaspoon, once daily. Children seven to ten years old should take 1 teaspoon, twice daily. Children ten years and older should take 1 tablespoon, once or twice daily. Follow this regimen for two months, then decrease the dose to five days a week for three months. Then stop giving the supplement altogether.

Choline appears to improve memory and attention span in some children. If your child is fourteen years of age or older, try giving him 500 milligrams a day for one month.

A liquid vitamin-B complex supplement is very important for hyperactive children. It helps to relax a stressed nervous system and improve mental functioning and concentration. Follow the dosage directions on the product label and give the recommended dose for two months. Then decrease the dosage to five days a week for three months. Thereafter, stop giving the supplement altogether.

Herbal Treatment
For age-appropriate dosages of nutritional supplements, see Dosage Guidelines for Herbs and Nutritional Supplements.

Chamomile tea is a noted relaxant. Give your child one dose at bedtime, as needed.

Minor bupleurum is a Chinese herbal formula that works to relax the nervous system and can help relieve stress. Give your child one dose daily for one month, followed by wild oat for one month (see below).
Note: Minor bupleurum should not be given to a child who has a fever or any other sign of an acute infection.

Skullcap is a relaxant and calms the mind. Give your child one dose, three times a week, for three months.
Note: This herb should not be given to a child less than six years old.

Wild oat calms the nervous system. Give your child one dose daily for one month.

Certain botanical scents may calm a hyperactive child. Mix 1 drop each of rosemary, sage, lavender, and chamomile oil in 1/8 cup of olive oil, and use this aromatic oil to rub your child's feet and spine at bedtime. Native Americans traditionally use rosemary and sage to relax the mind.

Homeopathy
It is best to see a homeopathic physician to determine a constitutional remedy for a hyperactive child. The remedies that follow will help alleviate symptoms, however. Whichever remedy you choose, unless otherwise indicated, try giving your child one dose, three times a day, for five days. Do this every other month for six months.

For the child who is thin, excited, anxious, and always in a hurry, use Argentum nitricum 30x or 9c. This child craves sweets, which adversely affect his behavior. He maybe susceptible to conjunctivitis and tonsillitis. This child is afraid of crowds and dislikes going to any public places, including school. He prefers being outdoors.

Calcarea phosphorica 30x or 9c benefits the devilish young child, usually a boy, who is restless, shy, and fearful, but who loves to take chances and play tricks. This child tends to have abdominal gas, has a slightly swollen abdomen, and may have enlarged tonsils.

If your fidgety child stops being fidgety once he has attracted attention, give him Chamomilla 30x or 9c. This type of child can become so hyperactive that he will get exhausted and begin to cry.
Note: Do not give your child both homeopathic Chamomilla and herbal chamomile tea. They will cancel each other out. To achieve the calming effect of chamomile, choose one form or the other.

Give Kalibromatum 30x or 9c to the restless child who is constantly doing something with his hands--hrowing a ball, shooting marbles, flying an airplane. If no toy is at hand, this child cracks his knuckles. Kalibromatum's hands are never still

Give Lycopodium 30x or 9c to the child who is more tired, more restless, or more irritable between 4:00 and 8:00 P.M. Tired or not, this child doesn't want to sit down at the dinner table, but prefers to run around. This child looks older than his years and is usually of above-average intelligence.

One dose of Medorrhinum 200x or 1m will help the child who is irritable, agitated, and in a hurry. This child may have a history of diaper rash as a baby, and later skin rashes and asthma.

Stramonium 30x is for the child with severe hyperactivity and possible violent agitation. His speech is loud, fast, and possibly incoherent.

Acupressure
For the locations of acupressure points on a child's body, see ADMINISTERING AN ACUPRESSURE TREATMENT.

Four Gates helps to relax a child's stressed nervous system.

General Recommendations
Eliminate preservatives and sugar from your child's diet. This is the first and most important thing you can do for a hyperactive child. For further improvement, follow all of the recommendations under Dietary Guidelines.

Give your child a liquid calcium and magnesium supplement.

Give your child the Chinese herb minor bupleurum.

Select a symptom-specific homeopathic remedy. If you are not satisfied with the results, work with a homeopathic physician to find a constitutional remedy.

Seek counseling and try behavior modification. These disciplines help a child understand the problem he is wrestling with, how to set goals and standards, and how to recognize and evaluate his behavior. They can be immensely helpful. Such programs teach internal controls that can tee used in various situations. Your child will learn to provide rewards for accomplishments, and how to learn from his mistakes. Work with your doctor or counsel or in developing behavior modification programs. It is important that the program be clear, easily understood, and easily executed by all who are involved in it-the child as well as the adults. It is essential that these interventions be undertaken with care and compassion, in a calm and loving environment. The child should be a willing participant. Make certain you both understand that these programs are meant to help, not punish.

Develop a stable routine at home. To lessen the amount of confusion and day-to-day stimuli, set specific mealtimes and bedtimes.

Try assigning a small, quickly finished task, and gently insist that it be completed. Then make sure to thank and praise your child when the job is done.

Engage the child in projects he enjoys to help him learn to focus attention. Learning to focus will alter his response to the world, little by little. Always remember that, in addition to having a nervous system imbalance that makes sitting still a torture, a bright hyperactive child becomes bored easily. Work with your child to help him actually finish a project. Finishing a project will provide a sense of competence and increased self-esteem. Mastery and completion of a task call for praise.

Seek counseling for yourself and your partner. To help decrease feelings of frustration and isolation, parents of a hyperactive child need information and support. Reach out; it's available. You'll learn how to be with and support your child, and how to feel calm and connected even when the situation seems out of control. You'll also learn that it is important for parents to take some time off without feeling stress or guilt for leaving a "difficult" child with competent others.

It is impossible to overemphasize how necessary it is for parents to take time out from the situation. Take an afternoon or evening or weekend off. Get a babysitter. Call your parents or a friend. If you won't do it for your own sake, do it for your child. You will likely come back refreshed and more calm and loving.

Prevention
During pregnancy, keep exposure to environmental lead to a minimum and eliminate alcohol during pregnancy. Both have been correlated with hyperactivity.

Keep your child from being exposed to lead. The most common sources of lead exposure are lead-based paint, drinking water, and improperly glazed pottery.

Dosage Guidelines

Diet

Herbal Medicine

Homeopathy

Bach Flowers

Acupressure

From Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child by Janet Zand, N.D., L.Ac., Robert Rountree, MD, Rachel Walton, RN, ©1994. Published by Avery Publishing, New York. For personal use only; neither the digital nor printed copy may be copied or sold. Reproduced by permission.