Hyperactivity in children usually appears before age 7 and is more common in boys than girls. It is significantly more common than many believe, with some reports estimating that as many as 18% of children are affected.

As children get older they tend to ‘grow out of their hyperactive behaviour. Only a few will remain hyperactive into adulthood. However, for many children there may be significant losses sustained throughout childhood if hyperactivity is left untreated. Their academic performance as well as their social skills may be severely affected. Relationships with parents, teachers and friends are likely to be dramatically affected by hyperactive behaviour.

What are the symptoms of hyperactivity?

It is often difficult to tell whether your child is simply a very active but normal child or hyperactive. All young, healthy children display some signs of hyperactivity from time-to-time and this does not mean they are hyperactive. It must also be acknowledged that some children are simply badly behaved.

The symptoms of hyperactivity are varied and include difficulty in concentrating, an excessive level of activity (cannot sit still) and impulsive behaviour.Behaviour is extreme as opposed to occasional bursts of difficult and challenging behaviour.

Can food additives cause hyperactivity?

At the moment there is not enough scientific evidence to prove a connection between certain foods such as sugar and additives and hyperactivity.

A 2 year study by St Mary’s Hospital in Isle of Wight in 1997 investigated the effects of artificial food colouring and preservatives on the behaviour of 3-year-olds. As well as assessing any trends in behaviour due to additives, it also looked at whether children with allergies were more likely to be affected.

Although parents reported an improvement in behaviour when the additives were removed from their child’s diet, psychological tests showed that food additives did not have any significant effect on the children’s behaviour.

The Food Standards Agency in the UK has funded further research to investigate a possible connection between the two. Results of this new study will be available in 2007.

Is sugar responsible for hyperactive behaviour?

No studies have found a link between behaviour and sugary/fizzy drinks.
This is in stark contrast to the numerous anecdotal reports from parents of how certain drinks affect their children’s behaviour. However, until it can be reproduced in a measured study, it is difficult to pin this down.

One possible explanation for the negative association between behaviour and sugary/fizzy drinks is that they are usually in free flow at parties and celebrations. It is possible that the excitement of the occasion is the true trigger of behaviour change rather than food or drink. There is also the suggestion that some loving discipline may go a long way to helping behaviour!

This is not a green light to fizzy drinks and sugary foods. For good health, especially dental health, sugary foods and drinks should be limited in children’s diets. Studies from the UK show that children who have lots of soft and fizzy drinks are more likely to be overweight.

The number of Irish children withobesity is on the increase so it is important to keep a check on the amount of various treats, sweets and sugary drinks your children are having.

Some doubt has been expressed about artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharine, which are commonly used in soft drinks and other low-calorie or sugar-free foods. As with all food additives, aspartame and saccharin have undergone rigorous safety assessments. The use of additives is carefully monitored to ensure that people do not consume more than the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).

This is the amount of an additive that a person may eat or drink each day for an entire lifetime without causing any known harm to health.

Could hyperactivity be caused by a food allergy?

Researchers in Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, London have investigated the role of food intolerance/allergy in behavioural problems. They have had impressive success with studies using a low-allergy diet.
While not all children on the low-allergy diet had a complete resolution of symptoms, there was a general improvement and this is significant. Children with behavioural problems and headache responded particularly well to the low-allergy diet with both their behaviour and headache improving.

A low-allergy diet must be conducted under the expert supervision of a suitably qualified dietician and doctor.

What treatment is available?

The treatment options for those who do not respond to diet therapy include behavioural therapy and, in some cases, medication. Medication however, is not prescribed lightly.

Medical advice encourages that hyperactive behaviour is fully investigated so as to rule out other possible causes of difficult behaviour. For example, depression and anxiety can affect learning and behaviour and require a different approach to treatment altogether.

If you are concerned about any aspect of your child’s behaviour or if you think he may have a food allergy, make an appointment with your GP