Marie-France Le Heuzey is a medical psychiatrist, with a specialist consultation in hyperactivity, in the Child and Adolescent Psychopathology ward at Hôpital Robert-Debré, Paris. She is the author of L’Enfant hyperactif, published by Editions Odile Jacob.

Adolescents’ erratic behaviour is often a cause for parental concern. When faced with a child’s poor academic performance, addiction to video games or excessive risk-taking, parents may wonder whether their child is simply turbulent or hyperactive.
If a child has never been diagnosed, hyperactivity may be a central explanation for numerous behavioural problems. The object of this book is to distinguish hyperactivity from ‘normal’ teenage behaviour.
If the diagnosis is made during adolescence, the appropriate treatment must be found and then evaluated. But with a childhood diagnosis, it is possible to prepare and help the child cope with a hyperactive adolescence.
A series of portraits of teenagers enables the author to define the hyperactive profile. Based on her long professional experience, she advises parents on the attitude to adopt to help their teenage child and presents possible therapies.

• Practical information to distinguish between hyperactivity and normal adolescent behaviour.
• As a recognised expert in hyperactivity, the author aims to help parents discern when not to worry and when to consult a specialist.