Nutrition/Dietetic concernsChildren need plenty offiberin their diet to keep
adrenaline levels more constant. Fiber is found in whole
grain products such as whole meal bread, brown rice,
high fiber cereals, potatoes, fresh and dried fruits, veg-
etables, and beans. It is also recommended to limit the
amount of processed sugars that children eat as much
as possible. High-sugar foods tend to have fewervita-
minsandminerals, and should be replaced by more
nutritious foods. They are responsible for tooth decay
and also contribute to obesity. It is also established that
the brain of a child appears to be more sensitive than
the adult brain to the effect of low blood sugar, hence
children are more prone to experiencing sugarcravings.
Since sugar can enter the bloodstream quickly, its
effects can be reduced if it is consumed along with
other nutrients like fat andprotein. As a rule, sweet
desserts after mixed meals that include protein, fat,
complex carbohydrate and fiber are preferable to eating
sweet snacks between meals. Besides sugars, many
sodas also containcaffeine, a stimulant that contrib-
utes to hyperactivity. They should be avoided and
replaced bywater, juices and caffeine-free drinks.
Some good selections for an afternoon snack
include: peanut butter on whole wheat bread, cold
chicken and a glass of milk, a hard boiled egg on
oatmeal bread, grilled cheese sandwich, yogurt, a
bagel or muffin and a glass of milk, a bowl of cereal
with milk, and raw vegetables such as carrots, celery
and tomatoes with a low fat dip or chopped avocado.TherapyDrug therapy is not recommended for hyperactiv-
ity that has no medical cause. In particular, medications
prescribed for ADHD that decrease hyperactivity, such
as Concerta and Ritalin, should only be considered if
the ADHD diagnosis is established.
Massage and relaxation therapies are starting to
be considered beneficial in lowering hyperactivity.
Studies performed on hyperactive adolescents have
shown a lowering of hyperactivity and improved
moods in students undergoing massage therapy for
10 consecutive school days.
Effective measures include schools that can pro-
vide a structured classroom environment, and parent
education to address discipline and limit-setting. For
instance, children can be taught to have ‘‘quiet time’’
periods so that they can learn to calm themselves at
home.PrognosisThere is no cure for hyperactivity. Hyperactive
children seldom outgrow it, but some learn to put it
to constructive use as they mature.KEY TERMS
Adrenaline—Hormone produced by the adrenal
glands that increases heart and respiration rates.
Autism—A brain disorder that begins in early child-
hood and persists throughout adulthood. It affects three
important areas of development: communication,
social interaction, and creative or imaginative play.
Bipolar disorder—A psychiatric disorder marked by
alternating episodes of mania and depression.
Borderline personality disorder—A serious mental
illness characterized by ongoing instability in
moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and
behavior.
Caffeine—The drug contained in coffee. A bitter
white alkaloid derived from coffee (or tea) and used
in medicine as a mild stimulant or to treat certain
kinds of headache.
Distractibility—Inability to concentrate or attend to
the task on hand; inattentiveness.Hyperthyroidism—Over production of the thyroid
hormone by the thyroid gland.
Impulsivity—Acting or speaking too quickly (upon
impulse) without first thinking of the consequences.
Obsessive compulsive disorder—A disorder which
causes people to experience obsessions, meaning
recurring unwanted thoughts which are difficult to
stop, and compulsions, meaning rituals of checking
behavior or repetitive actions which are carried out
in an attempt to relieve the thoughts.
Pervasive developmental disorder—An impairment
in the development of social skills.
Schizophrenia—A mental illness in which the per-
son suffers from distorted thinking, hallucinations,
and a reduced ability to feel normal emotions.
Tourette’s syndrome—A neurological disorder char-
acterized by involuntary body movements called
tics, and uncontrollable speech.Hyperactivity and sugar