Some people might have been observed tapping their hands or legs on the table. This phenomenon is referred to as restlessness, and it typically occurs when an individual is uninterested, uneasy, and unable to concentrate on the present moment. Is it accurate to say that those who fidget exhibit symptoms of ADHD?

What is Fidgeting?

According to Healthline, fidgeting is making small movements of the body, typically with the hands or feet. This condition is often associated with signs of someone having trouble focusing.

Movement of the hands or feet is considered to help restore focus back to the present moment. However, there are also those who refer to this condition as a sign of someone being uncomfortable, panicked, or stressed.

Research shows that the ability to focus for long periods of time increases stress in the brain. By fidgeting, your body sends signals to take a break and then refocus on your work.

The more often you fidget and fidget, it shows how much discomfort you are experiencing while working on something.

Fidgeting can take many forms, including:

• Foot tapping and wiggling
• Tapping fingers on the table
• Pencil tapping
• Nail-biting
• Tearing, crumpling paper, or tissue
• Adjust the position several times
• Crossing and uncrossing legs

Causes of Fidgeting and its Relationship with ADHD

The act of fidgeting is a common behavior that people do when they are waiting or when they are bored. It usually does not interfere with daily activities. But in some cases, fidgeting can indicate serious problems, such as:

ADHD

ADHD is a condition where a person has difficulty paying attention, is easily distracted, and has difficulty controlling themselves. Children with ADHD are often seen as children who can't keep still. Although often identified with ADHD, fidgeting is not the only sign of ADHD.

To diagnose ADHD, the doctor needs to conduct an interview, conduct a physical examination and observe whether the symptoms have been present for 6 months.

Other symptoms to look out for are whether the patient shows signs such as inattention, hyperactivity, difficulty staying still for a while, constant talking and impulsive behavior. If your child shows these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor or child psychologist.

Fidgeting is not always a bad condition and needs to be stopped. Fidgeting can also be a coping mechanism for people with ADHD. If fidgeting can fulfill the need for positive stimulation for the brain without causing distractions for oneself or others, then it can help a person become more focused.

Recommended fidgeting is the type of activity that does not interfere with your visual and auditory focus on listening. For example, when you need to record information, you should avoid fidgeting that involves hand movements.

Anxiety disorders

Other causes of fidgeting in adults are anxiety disorders such as difficulty calming down, depression, impatience, or experiencing mood swings. If you experience these anxiety disorders, you should see a doctor.

Restless leg syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is a chronic neurological condition that triggers a strong urge to move the legs and feet. The symptoms usually appear at night when you are about to go to bed or at other times when you have to stay still for long periods of time, such as when driving. Walking or moving your legs usually relieves the discomfort, but it often returns after you stop moving.

If you notice that restlessness or fidgeting only involves the legs and occurs at night, consult a doctor and talk about suspected restless leg syndrome. If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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