tention span, perceptual difficulties, preservative tendencies, and sleep disturbances (Chess, 1960). Hyperactivity may also be associated with mental retardation where no brain damage is evident (Chess, 1960).
Hyperactivity may also be a symptom of reaction or neurotic behavior disorder (Chess, 1960). In this context, the hyperactive child usually exhibits a somewhat devious motivational character, as part of an attempt to cope with environmental stress (Chess, 1960). Hyperactivity may also be symptomatic of childhood schizophrenia (Chess, 1960).
Therapies (Generally) for Hyperactivity
The appropriate therapy for the hyperactive child depends to a great extent on the character of the hyperkinesis. If hyperactivity is a way of expressing anxiety stemming from an intrapsychic conflict related to aggression, psychotherapy may be the indicated treatment approach (Freedman, Kaplan, & Sadock, 1982). In this context, psychological counseling for the entire family of the hyperkinetic child may be indicated, because, in some instances, the family environment is the source of psychic conflict (Bower, 1988).
By contrast, if the hyperactivity is presumed to be organic in character, the indicated therapy will likely be an external supply of the controls which are absent internally (Freedman, Kaplan, & Sadock, 1982). External controls may by supplied through medication, activity regulation, isolation from distressing stimuli, or other supportive suppressive measures (Freedman, Kaplan, & Sadock, 1982).
Medications may include stimulants, such as amphetamines, methylphenidate hydrochloride, and 2 dimethylaminoethanol (Safer, & Krager, 1988). Such stimulants, paradoxically, act as sedatives on hyperkinetic children (Morgan, 1988).
Medications stimulant or non stimulant, however, are not always effective in treating hyperactivit
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