Q.Surendra's newborn son has no idea of his own self. This refers to which of the following?
Concept understanding — Hyperactivity Characteristics
Hyperactivity Characteristics – A First Look
The Intuition
Imagine a classroom. Most students sit reasonably still, listen, and raise their hands before speaking. Now picture a student who seems to be driven by a motor — they can't stay seated, they fidget constantly, they blurt out answers, and they talk excessively. That restless, excessive, and often poorly controlled movement and speech is what we call hyperactivity.
The key intuition: hyperactivity is not just "being active." It is activity that is inappropriate for the situation — too much, too fast, and too hard to control. A child running on a playground is normal; the same child running in a library during a test is hyperactive.
The Precise Statement
In clinical and educational psychology, hyperactivity is one of the two core symptom domains of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (the other being inattention). The characteristics of hyperactivity are:
Hyperactivity refers to a persistent pattern of excessive motor activity, restlessness, and impulsivity that is developmentally inappropriate, occurs across multiple settings, and interferes with functioning or development.
The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) lists these specific hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms (for children aged 17 or younger, at least 6 of the following must have persisted for ≥6 months):
| Symptom | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Fidgets or taps hands/feet, squirms in seat | Can't keep still even when asked |
| Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected | Gets up during class, meals, meetings |
| Runs or climbs in inappropriate situations | Climbing furniture, running in hallways |
| Unable to play or engage in leisure quietly | Always loud, always moving |
| "On the go" or "driven by a motor" | Seems restless, can't slow down |
| Talks excessively | Non-stop talking, interrupts constantly |
| Blurts out answers before question is completed | Finishes people's sentences |
| Difficulty waiting turn | Impatient in lines, games, conversations |
| Interrupts or intrudes on others | Butts into conversations, grabs things |
Hyperactivity is NOT the same as "bad behaviour" or "lack of discipline." It is a neurologically-based difficulty with regulating activity level and impulse control. The child often cannot stop even when they want to.
Why This Matters for Exams
In Indian exam contexts (CBSE Class 12 Psychology, NCERT-based questions), you are expected to:
- Distinguish hyperactivity from normal high energy — the key is inappropriateness and persistence across settings (home, school, with friends).
- Link it to ADHD — hyperactivity is a symptom cluster, not a standalone disorder.
- Remember the age criterion — for diagnosis, symptoms must appear before age 12 and be present in two or more settings.
Hyperactivity often decreases with age. In adolescents and adults, it may manifest more as inner restlessness (feeling "wired") rather than obvious running/climbing. But the impulsivity (blurting, interrupting) often persists.
The Core Takeaway
Hyperactivity = excessive, poorly controlled motor activity + impulsivity, inappropriate for the context, and causing impairment. It is not a choice; it is a symptom of a neurodevelopmental condition.
(B) (i) and (iv) [NCERT Book pg 25, 26]
(B) (i) and (iv)
The correct option is (B) (i) and (iv).
(B) (i) and (iv) [NCERT Book pg 25, 26]
(B) (i) and (iv)
- CBSE 2024Set 63/RQPS/41 markMCQQ.Surendra's newborn son has no idea of his own self. This refers to which of the following?(i) He is unaware of various objects in his environment, such as a chair or a table in his room.(ii) He is able to cry when he is hungry.(iii) Sometimes he smiles when he sleeps.(iv) People around him are part of his experiences. However, he cannot gather any meaning from it.
›Reveal solutionSolution
The correct option is (B) (i) and (iv).
(B) (i) and (iv) [NCERT Book pg 25, 26]
✓Final answer(B) (i) and (iv)
- CBSE 2020Set 63/HMJ/41 markQ.Dhruv fidgets, squirms, climbs and runs around the house aimlessly. He is distracted, inattentive and seems overactive in class. Thus, he neither follows instructions, nor completes assignments. The psychologist has diagnosed him with ________.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder / ADHD / Hyperactivity
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder / ADHD / Hyperactivity
✓Final answerAttention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder / ADHD / Hyperactivity
- CBSE 2020Set 63/HMJ/41 markQ.When children use name-calling, swearing and abusive words, they are using the ________ form of aggressive behaviour.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Verbal
Verbal
✓Final answerVerbal
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