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Jul 11, 2024 · What Is Fidgeting? Fidgeting often happens without you realizing it. Research shows that fidgeting is a physical reaction to stress or concentration. Characteristics of Fidgeting. There are several different ways to fidget. Common signs of fidgeting include: Tapping your feet. Drumming your fingers. Tapping a pencil. Shifting in your seat.
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Mild fidgeting with your feet, legs, arms, hands, or eyes isn’t life-threatening. More serious fidgeting caused by ADHD and restless leg syndrome can be managed with proper treatment.
Fidgeting is making small movements with your body, usually your hands and feet.
It’s associated with not paying attention, and often reflects discomfort and restlessness. For example, if you’ve been listening to a lecture for a long time, you may find yourself tapping your pencil.
Fidgeting can increase your physiological arousal and help you feel more alert. The physical activity of fidgeting can provide a temporary distraction from whatever activity you’re doing.
Some scientists argue that the “mental break” fidgeting provides is actually your body’s way of trying to stay focused on the task at hand. However, another study suggests that a fidgeting body simply reflects a wandering mind.
Stress can also cause fidgeting. In some cases, fidgeting can relieve feelings of stress.
Signs of mild fidgeting can include movements of the head, limbs, and body. Common types of fidgeting include:
•tapping your foot, your fingernails, or a pencil
•blinking your eyes
•shifting your weight
•folding and unfolding your arms
•crossing and uncrossing your legs
Fidgeting and ADHD
There are three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined. Hyperactive and combined ADHD may produce the following behaviors: •fidgeting and squirming •difficulty with quiet activities •excessive talking •interrupting others often These symptoms are often typical of children. You should see a doctor if these symptoms are interfering with your child’s social or academic functioning. ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adults because many of the symptoms are similar to mental disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression. If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, you may want to consult a doctor: •restlessness •mood swings •impatience •difficulty maintaining relationships •difficulty finishing tasks •difficulty concentrating There’s no single cause of ADHD. The disorder is present at birth and isn’t caused by environmental factors. Risk factors include: •genetics •low birth weight •head injury •brain infection •iron deficiency •exposure to lead, alcohol, tobacco, or cocaine before birth
Fidgeting and RLS
Fidgeting at night can be a symptom of RLS. This is a neurological disorder that causes an uncomfortable feeling in your legs and a strong desire to move them. Symptoms usually happen at night during sleep or when you’re trying to relax. It’s estimated that about 7 percent to 10 percent of the U.S. population have RLS. You should talk to your doctor if RLS is seriously affecting your sleep. The cause of RLS isn’t known. But RLS can be triggered by long periods of inactivity, such as a long car trip, a long distance flight, or a long movie.
Understanding the cause of your fidgeting may help you treat its symptoms. If you know that you’re prone to mild fidgeting, try doing activities that are more engaging.
More severe fidgeting caused by ADHD can be treated with prescription drugs and counseling. A doctor can diagnose your ADHD through medical, educational, and psychological evaluations.
Psychostimulant drugs like methylphenidate are often prescribed to manage ADHD. Their side effects can include:
•sleep disturbance
•decrease in appetite
•depression, sadness, or anxiety
Mild fidgeting isn’t life-threatening. Your fidgeting may affect the way that others view you because they may assume that you’re not paying attention. If you’re concerned about the effect fidgeting is having on your life, you should consult a doctor or seek counseling.
Serious fidgeting caused by ADHD and RLS can be managed with proper treatment.
Fidgeting is making small movements with your body, usually your hands and feet. It can be caused by inattention, ADHD, or restless leg syndrome. Learn how to manage fidgeting and its effects on your health and well-being.
Akathisia is a syndrome that makes it hard to sit still due to an inner restlessness. It’s often caused by antipsychotic medications and can cause anxiety and distress. Learn about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of akathisia.
Nov 18, 2022 · What Is Fidgeting? What is considered fidgeting? Fidgeting can be almost any repetitive movement that you do unintentionally. Common fidgeting symptoms include: Bounding your legs up and down....
4 min read. What Is Akathisia? Akathisia is a movement disorder that makes it hard for you to stay still. It causes an urge to move that you can’t control. You might need to fidget all the time,...
Akathisia is a condition of motor restlessness and an inability to sit still, often caused by antipsychotic or neuroleptic drugs. It may also be called pseudoparkinsonism, acathisia, or restless leg syndrome.
2 days ago · Fidgeting refers to small, often repetitive movements or behaviors that people engage in, usually with their hands or feet. These movements can include tapping fingers, bouncing legs, twirling hair, or playing with objects like pens, stress balls, and aptly named fidget spinners.
