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vity is the state or condition of being excessively or pathologically active (NIMH, 2008). Hyperactivity behaviour can include constant activity, being easily distracted and incapability to pay attention (Cooper & O’Regan, 2001). Hyperactive children often talk excessively, cannot take part in leisure activities quietly and usually fidget with their hands or feet. Observations of the pupils at school or while working on independent tasks find that they are out of their seats, moving about the class without permission, restlessly moving their arms and legs while working, playing with objects not related to the tasks and making unusual vocal noises (Abikoff et al., 1977; Cammann & Miehlke, 1989; Luk, 1985). Hyperactivity behaviour might make a pupil the target for bullying. A hyperactive child often interrupts or intrudes on others’ conversations or games (Goldstein, Goldstein 1992).

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of ADHD usually become noticeable at an early age and are intensified when the child starts school (DuPaul & Stoner, 1994). Some symptoms persist into adulthood and may pose life-long challenges. However, the official diagnostic criteria state that the onset of symptoms must occur before the age of seven, leading researchers in the field of ADHD argue that criterion should be broadened to include onset anytime during childhood (Barkley, 1998). Children to be diagnosed with ADHD must present the symptoms for at least six months (Livaniou, 2004).

Some researchers argue that the first signs of ADHD appeared on the stages of infancy; sometimes these children present an increasing mobility (Weiss & Hechtman, 1993). According to Abikoff, et.al. (1977), babies with ADHD are easily vexed and cry excessively, while as children run all the time, fidget with their hands or feet and make unusual vocal noises. Also, hyperactive children do not experience as many positive interactions with adults, friends and teachers as other children (Burns, 1982). It is also been found that low self-esteem is a characteristic of children with emotional and behavioural problems (DFE, 1994).

Researches suggest that many of the primary symptoms of attention deficit may diminish in intensity in adolescence and adulthood (Weis & Hechtman, 1979). According to Gittelman (1985), there is a consensus that a majority of inattentive children, one-half to two-thirds, out grow the core symptoms of attention disorder by adulthood. The affective medical, educational and behavioural treatments over the long term help the children’s self-esteem, their academic achievement over the year and their relationship with their peers (Merrell & Tymms, 2001).

CAUSES

ADHD appears to have a strong biological basis and is likely to be inherited in many cases. Research has not supported the popular views that ADHD is frequently due to the consumptions of food additives, preservative, or sugar (Nigg, 2006). While few ADHD individuals show an exacerbation of their features by allergies, however these allergies are not viewed as the cause of ADHD (Nigg, 2006). Behaviour genetic studies have shown conclusively that genetic effects play a role in the etiology of ADHD (Plomin, et.al. 2001). Similarly, environmental causes play a significant role in the etiology of ADHD.