A psychologist who specializes in ADHD comments on leg shaking.
“Leg shaking, like fidgeting, is often associated with anxiety or hyperactivity related to ADHD,” says Dr. Robert Myers, creator of the Total Focus program at Legacy Publishing.
Dr. Myers is a clinical psychologist with 30+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, families and parents, specializing in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
“Usually the person is not aware they are doing it. It is a habit that can occur whether the person is relaxed or stressed out.
“If it is bothering others, you could try to point it out so they can stop and perhaps become more aware of it and work on gaining control.
“Sounds easy, but for some it’s not as easy as you might think.”
Does ADHD Directly Cause One or Both Legs to Shake?
“ADHD” is a reference to a composite of symptoms including hyperactivity and difficulty maintaining focus on a task.
When it is said that “She has ADHD,” this means that the child (or adult) has this collection of symptoms rather than a single disorder.
Thus, it is accurate to state that ADHD does not directly cause anything to happen to a leg.
However, as Dr. Myers had pointed out, the symptoms that are associated with this commonly-diagnosed condition can cause shaking of the legs.
Now if a child or adult is in the habit of bouncing a leg up and down on the ball of the foot while seated, or rapidly moving the foot side to side while the leg is outstretched while seated or lying, or in some other way allows the leg to voluntarily quiver – this does not suggest that the individual might have ADHD.
It often just amounts to a nervous or comforting habit that makes time seem to pass more quickly depending on the circumstance, such as waiting for one’s dental appointment.
It’s also important not to equate voluntary leg shaking with the involuntary quivering or trembling that may occur during exercise.
For example, intense use of a leg press machine can result in quivering legs.
Dr. Myers has 30+ years’ experience working with children, adolescents and parents, specializing in children and adolescents with ADHD. Total Focus is a comprehensive program to improve attention, concentration and self-control in children.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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