One of the fundamental and most blatantly obvious symptoms of ADHD is the Hyperactivity.

According to the DSM-IV:

• often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
• often leaves seat in classroom or in other situation in which remaining seated is expected.
• often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate ( in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
• often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
• is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
• often talks excessively.

What is important to appreciate here is that most children are hyperactive. Hyperactivity helps children to explore and learn. With ADHD, however, you are looking for developmentally inappropriate levels of hyperactivity - constant and persistent, across settings (home, school, clinicians office,...). No matter where they are, ADHD children are always "on the go".

ADHD children always seem to be on the go!

Hyperactivity is one of the three main symptoms of ADHD, the other two are: inattention and impulsivity.