We are now offering Telehealth treatment options.
In the U.S., 6.1 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD. The majority of children who have ADHD will still have the condition as teenagers. The signs and symptoms of ADHD in teens are similar to the signs of the condition in children. For parents and loved ones, recognizing the symptoms of ADHD in adolescents early is critical.
Without treatment, teens with untreated ADHD will struggle in school and with relationships. Untreated ADHD also puts teens at high risk of using drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. But teens who get treatment? Their risk of addiction mitigated. Fortunately, ADHD is a highly treatable condition. With a combination of medicines and therapy, teens with ADHD can go on to live a healthy life and achieve great things.
What is ADHD?
ADHD means Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a mental health disorder characterized by differences in brain structure, chemistry, and neural pathways. ADHD makes it difficult for a child to concentrate in school, stay focused, or even sit still. ADHD can make someone impulsive, which isn’t good for building trusting relationships. Treatment for ADHD requires a combination of medications to lessen symptoms, along with therapy to help teens and children learn new skills to manage impulses and improve focus.
What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD can be challenging to diagnose, especially in children. Many children have trouble sitting still or concentrating. Teens without ADHD can seem easily distracted and impulsive at times. But for teens with ADHD, these struggles are more pronounced and frequent. In general, teens with ADHD will have problems focusing, being organized, and controlling impulses. Teens with ADHD will have one or all of the following issues related to the disorder:
Trouble Focusing
Teens who struggle to pay attention and become easily distracted won’t be able to stay on task. An inability to focus can severely impact their school performance. They might miss critical details or fail to finish projects. Daydreaming and having trouble meeting deadlines is common in ADHD. Disorganization, forgetfulness, and losing things frequently is also part of ADHD symptoms.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactive teens can’t sit still, become easily bored, restless, and fidgety. It’s difficult for teens with ADHD to remain quiet during school lectures. They may also rush through their assignments and make many careless mistakes. Disruption and inappropriate roughhousing are also common ADHD symptoms. Teens with ADHD don’t mean to interrupt others or appear disrespectful. Unfortunately, being able to sit still or remain quiet is something they can’t do in any meaningful capacity while their ADHD is untreated.
Impulsivity
Teens with impulse control issues will act before they think. It’s difficult for teens with ADHD to wait in line or wait for their turn to speak. ADHD can make teens do things without asking for permission first, take unnecessary risks, or take items they don’t have permission to use. Emotional outbursts or reactions that may seem inappropriate or too intense for the situation are frequent with ADHD in teens.
What causes ADHD in children and teens?
No one knows what causes ADHD. But researchers believe a combination of different factors might be to blame. Genetics, environment, and changes in neural pathways at critical stages of fetal development may cause ADHD. Some risk factors can increase a person’s chances of being diagnosed with the condition as a child or teen:
Having a close blood relative with ADHD, such as a parent or a brother or sister, can increase the chances of diagnosis.
Being exposed to certain environmental toxins may cause ADHD, particularly exposure to lead pipes or paints during childhood.
Women who use drugs, smoke, or drink while pregnant may increase the risk of giving birth to a child with ADHD. If a baby is born premature, they also have an increased of having ADHD as a child or teen.
A common misconception about the causes of ADHD involves sugar. Many people believe that eating too much sugar can cause hyperactivity, but there is no conclusive proof that this is true. Diet and lifestyle changes may improve ADHD symptoms, but consuming sugar alone is not a definitive cause of the disorder.
What can happen to children or teens with ADHD?
With medication, support, and therapy, children and teens with ADHD can go on to live a healthy life, free from ADHD’s disruptive symptoms. But without treatment, ADHD can cause a range of problems in a teen’s life. For one thing, ADHD can make it much harder for teens to concentrate in school, complete assignments, and act appropriately in social situations. ADHD, when left untreated, makes it difficult for teens to focus and reach their goals.
Untreated ADHD can hurt children’s futures, making it harder for them to find their place in the world. ADHD symptoms are distressing and can turn social interactions into embarrassing situations. Teens are likely to self-medicate their symptoms and pain with drugs or alcohol. For parents, recognizing the symptoms of ADHD and getting their teen the help they need is vital to protect their son or daughter’s future.
What are the treatment options for childhood and adolescent ADHD?
Treatment for ADHD consists of several methods and techniques. The disorder will be different for everyone, and so treatment must be tailored to the patient’s individual needs and medical history. Medications can make it easier for teens to focus, while therapy can help them develop coping skills for their ADHD symptoms. By getting teens into treatment early, they can get in touch with support groups and therapists who can help them navigate the teen years with ADHD successfully.
Are you concerned that your son or daughter may have ADHD, or is self-medicating because of ADHD symptoms? The experienced counselors and mental health professionals at Mission Harbor Behavioral Health can help. Please reach out to us today to learn more about our adolescent treatment programs.
Get Help Now
Alcohol addiction is extremely difficult to overcome on your own.. Seek specialized help and let professionals guide you in your recovery.