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Parenting a teenager comes with its own set of challenges, but when ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is part of the picture, those challenges can feel like an uphill battle with no end in sight. Many parents find themselves questioning if their teen’s forgetfulness, impulsivity, or trouble focusing is just a part of being a teenager or if it could actually be something else.
By learning how ADHD manifests and the signs of ADHD in teens, parents can support their child’s needs and provide them with the guidance they need to be successful.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that often starts in childhood and can extend into adulthood. While it’s widely known for its effect on focus and activity levels, ADHD also affects neurological processes that influence emotions and behavior.
In a brain without ADHD, the limbic system, which governs emotions, works with the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and self-control. This balance helps to regulate emotions and keep behavior in check.
In ADHD, however, this partnership is less cooperative. The limbic system often dominates over the prefrontal cortex, creating emotional highs and lows that can feel overwhelming. For teens, this can be amplified by stressors they may already be experiencing, like juggling friendships, facing academic challenges, and taking on additional responsibilities.
ADHD doesn’t look the same for everyone. It can present in three different ways: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or a combination of the two.
Inattentive Symptoms
Inattentive ADHD can be easy to overlook, especially in teens who may come across as quiet or daydreamy. What might seem like a lack of effort or laziness is actually an everyday struggle with focus and organization.
Per the DSM-5, signs of inattentive ADHD include:
- Missing details or making careless mistakes in schoolwork
- Struggling to focus during lectures or conversations
- Seeming distracted or not listening when spoken to
- Starting tasks but not finishing them
- Losing track of belongings like homework or keys
- Feeling overwhelmed by tasks that required consistent focus
- Forgetting things like turning in assignments or keeping appointments
Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms
On the other hand, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is often more noticeable than inattentive ADHD. These teens may feel like they’re constantly in motion, even when they’re sitting still.
Signs of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD include:
- Fidgeting, tapping, or squirming in their seat
- Leaving their seat when they’re expected to stay put
- Feeling restless or on edge during quiet moments
- Talking nonstop, even when it’s not their turn
- Interrupting conversations or activities
- Acting without thinking, like blurting out answers
- Struggling to wait their turn in lines or group activities
Co-Occurring Disorders
It’s common for teens with ADHD to have other conditions alongside their diagnosis. As a result, this can make their emotional, academic, and social lives even more complicated.
Research shows that nearly half of children and teens with ADHD also have a learning disability. This might include dyslexia, which makes reading difficult, or auditory process issues that affect how they understand spoken words.
ADHD can also overlap with mental health conditions. Teens with ADHD are more likely to experience depression–up to five times more than their peers without ADHD. Similarly, anxiety disorders are three times as common for teens with ADHD.
Other conditions that can co-occur with ADHD include:
- Substance use problems, especially in older teens
- Sleep disturbances, like difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Communication issues that can cause misunderstandings with peers and adults
Diagnosis and Treatment for ADHD in Teens
Since ADHD can look different in teens than in children, diagnosing and treating the condition can be challenging. This is often due to factors like hormonal changes, greater academic demands, and evolving social roles as they find their place amongst their peers.
ADHD Medication for Teenagers
Medication is an important part of treatment plans for teenagers with ADHD as it can help reduce symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. There are two categories that ADHD medications fall into: stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. These include methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Vyvanse. Stimulants are available in two forms:
- Short-acting formulas that last for about 3 to 6 hours
- Long-acting formulas that provide symptom relief for up to 12 hours
Non-stimulants, like Strattera and Intuniv, are another option. These medications take longer to start working, but their effects last a full 24 hours.
ADHD medications are highly effective for many teens, but finding the right medication can take some trial and error. Co-occurring conditions can affect how a teen responds to medication, so regularly communicating with your doctor is a must. Adjustments may be needed to ensure the treatment works without negative side effects.
Other Treatment Options for Teen ADHD
While medication is helpful, it’s not the only way to treat ADHD in teens. A combination of medication and psychosocial often shows the best results. One treatment option is behavioral modification. This approach follows the ABCs:
- Antecedents, or the triggers that set off certain behaviors
- Behaviors, or the actions that need to change
- Consequences, or what happens after those behaviors
Here’s how behavioral modification might look in action:
Scenario: A teen with ADHD constantly avoids starting their homework which leads to missed deadlines and frustration.
- Antecedent: The teen feels overwhelmed by a cluttered desk and unclear instructions for assignments.
- Solution: The parent helps organize the desk before homework time and breaks assignments into smaller, more manageable steps.
- Behavior: The teen procrastinates and avoids sitting down to work.
- Solution: A timer is set for 15 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break to make starting the task less intimidating.
- Consequence: The teen finishes part of the homework and earns positive reinforcement, like a praise or a small reward such as extra screen time.
- End Result: Over time, the teen begins to associate homework with achievable goals and positive feedback which reduces avoidance.
Behavioral modification is adaptable and can be applied to a range of behaviors like completing chores or managing impulsivity during conversations.
Other treatment strategies can include:
- Sensory Integration Training, which teaches the brain to respond more effectively to sensory information like sounds, textures, or movement
- Interactive Metronome Training, which improves timing, attention, working memory, and processing speed through rhythmic exercises
In addition to therapy, it’s important that your teen maintains a balanced diet and overall healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep helps support the brain’s ability to focus and self-regulate.
How Parents Can Help Their Teen with ADHD
If you are the parent of a teenager who has ADHD, there are some things you can do to help your child feel less burdened by their symptoms. Consider these strategies:
- Create a structured daily routine with clear expectations
- Break tasks into smaller steps to reduce overwhelm
- Use positive reinforcement to encourage good habits
- Practice patience and active listening to build trust and understanding
- Work with teaches and school staff to ensure your teen has academic support
- Help your teen develop organization skills with tools like planners or reminders
- Avoid scolding, blaming, nagging, or lecturing as these can damage self-esteem
Help Your Teen with ADHD Today
Supporting a teenager with ADHD requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt. By focusing on your teen’s strengths, providing structure, and offering them guidance, you can help them flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.
Take the time to learn more about ADHD and explore the options that are available for your teen. If you or your teen need additional support, consider reaching out to a mental health professional today.
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