Fidgeting: Symptoms, Treatments, And Causes - Healthline

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Mental Well-Being

Everything You Need to Know About Fidgeting

Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M.D., CAQ, FAAFP — Written by Emma Nicholls — Updated on May 30, 2023

Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Outlook

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.

What should I look for?

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

If your fidgeting is disrupting your ability to perform your daily activities, sleep at night, or manage at school or work, you should see a doctor.

What are the causes of fidgeting?

Mild fidgeting appears to be caused by inattention. Serious fidgeting can be caused by conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and restless leg syndrome (RLS).

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.

How can fidgeting be treated?

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
headaches
upset stomach
increase in blood pressure

Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs. Sometimes, your doctor may recommend a combination of medications. Your ADHD can also be managed with counseling. A counselor can help you develop skills to cope with the symptoms of ADHD.

Severe fidgeting caused by RLS can be treated with prescription medications. You can also try managing your RLS with the following techniques:

Take a warm shower or bath before bedtime.
Try a mindful activity before bedtime, such as reading a book or doing a crossword puzzle.
Take a quick walk before bed.
Try lightly massaging your legs before you sleep.

What is the outlook for fidgeting?

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.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

5 ways you can conquer restless legs at night.(2017).https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/06/5-ways-you-can-conquer-restless-legs-at-night/?_ga=1.123423627.1009864428.1477767691
Farley J, et al. (2013). Everyday attentionand lecture retention: The effects of time, fidgeting, and mind wandering. DOI:https://dx.doi.org/10.3389%2Ffpsyg.2013.00619
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/dxc-20196181
Restless legs syndrome fact sheet. (2019).http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm

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Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M.D., CAQ, FAAFP — Written by Emma Nicholls — Updated on May 30, 2023

Fidgeting: Symptoms, Treatments, And Causes - Healthline

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Mental Well-Being

What should I look for?

What are the causes of fidgeting?

Fidgeting and ADHD

Fidgeting and RLS

How can fidgeting be treated?

What is the outlook for fidgeting?

How we reviewed this article:

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