Word parts
What it means
A pattern of constant movement, fidgeting, talking a lot and difficulty waiting or sitting quietly. It is a core feature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), along with inattention and impulsivity. It can also happen with mania, anxiety, an overactive thyroid and some drugs. "Hyperactive" also describes body parts that are more active than normal, such as hyperactive bowel sounds or reflexes.
For the nurse
For a child with hyperactivity, keep instructions short, give one step at a time, offer chances to move, and keep a predictable routine with few distractions.
At a glance
| Spanish | hiperactividad |
|---|---|
| Also written | hyperactive |
Related terms
hyper-
A word beginning that means above, over or more than normal.
bowel sound
A gurgling or clicking sound made by gas and fluid moving through the intestines, heard with a stethoscope.
mood
A person's inner emotional state that lasts over time, as the person describes it.