{"id":16155,"date":"2020-11-10T15:30:36","date_gmt":"2020-11-10T22:30:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/?page_id=16155"},"modified":"2024-04-22T15:45:10","modified_gmt":"2024-04-22T22:45:10","slug":"adhd-in-teens","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/adhd-in-teens\/","title":{"rendered":"ADHD in Teens"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
ADHD in teenagers can be concerning, because those who experience difficulty with hyperactivity, hyperfixation<\/a>, impulsivity, and inattention, may struggle with learning disabilities, low-self esteem, schoolwork and social skills problems.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
A teen who has symptoms of\u00a0inattention\u00a0may have difficulty focusing and seem to be disorganized and off-task. Hyperactivity, as its name might suggest, involves being in constant motion, especially when it is not appropriate to do so. A teen with hyperactivity may fidget or talk constantly<\/a>.\u00a0Impulsivity\u00a0can involve reacting quickly without thinking about consequences, or interrupting others when they are speaking.<\/p>\n
Learn how\u00a0ADHD\u00a0looks in teenagers, as well as what treatment options are effective, such as\u00a0ADHD medications\u00a0and\u00a0behavior therapy.<\/p>\n
\n\t\tThe Prevalence of ADHD in Teens\n\t<\/h2>\n\tADHD in teens is an important topic because it affects a considerable portion of the adolescent population.\n
According to the NIMH,\u00a0<\/a>8.7% of teens have experienced\u00a0ADHD\u00a0during their lifetimes. Unfortunately, about half of teens with\u00a0ADHD\u00a0have a severe\u00a0impairment. Males are more likely to experience\u00a0ADHD, with a lifetime prevalence of 13%, compared to 4.2% for females.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Given the prevalence of\u00a0symptoms of ADHD\u00a0in the teenage population, it is important that families and health professionals recognize the\u00a0symptoms of ADHD\u00a0and be aware of appropriate treatment methods.<\/p>\n
\n\t\tThe Top Symptoms of ADHD\n\t<\/h2>\n
As previously noted, teenagers with\u00a0ADHD\u00a0experience\u00a0inattention\u00a0and\/or hyperactivity and\u00a0impulsivity. To meet the criteria of a\u00a0diagnosis of ADHD\u00a0from a\u00a0health professional, a teen must show at least six symptoms of\u00a0inattention\u00a0or six symptoms of hyperactivity and\u00a0impulsivity.<\/p>\n
In some cases, a teen may meet six symptoms in both categories, which is considered a combined presentation of\u00a0ADHD. It is also possible to present symptoms that qualify only as\u00a0inattentive type\u00a0or only as\u00a0hyperactive\/impulsive type.<\/p>\n
Some\u00a0<\/b>symptoms of ADHD<\/b>\u00a0associated with\u00a0inattention\u00a0include the following, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC<\/a>):<\/p>\n
\n
- Appearing not to listen when spoken to<\/li>\n
- Appearing distracted<\/li>\n
- Being forgetful<\/li>\n
- Disliking or avoiding tasks, such as\u00a0schoolwork, that require attention and mental effort<\/li>\n
- Having trouble paying attention to details<\/li>\n
- Having trouble remaining on-task<\/a> and finishing tasks<\/li>\n
- Losing important items, such as car keys, glasses,\u00a0schoolwork, textbooks or wallets<\/li>\n
- Making\u00a0careless mistakes\u00a0in\u00a0schoolwork<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
As the\u00a0CDC\u00a0explains,\u00a0symptoms of hyperactivity and\u00a0<\/b>impulsivity<\/b>\u00a0can appear a little differently:<\/p>\n
\n
- Appearing to be in constant motion, as if operated by a motor<\/li>\n
- Difficulty being quiet<\/li>\n
- Frequent fidgeting or hand tapping<\/li>\n
- Having difficulty staying seated<\/li>\n
- Interrupting others when they are talking, or shouting out answers during class<\/li>\n
- May feel restless<\/li>\n
- Showing difficulty waiting for their turn<\/li>\n
- Talking excessively<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It is noted that\u00a0symptoms of ADHD\u00a0must be present in more than one setting for a\u00a0diagnosis of ADHD. For example, a teen must experience symptoms both at home and at school, or both at school and with family and friends.<\/p>\n
Other\u00a0medical conditions\u00a0that interfere with attention must also be ruled out for a\u00a0diagnosis of ADHD, like\u00a0Autism,\u00a0Conduct Disorder\u00a0or\u00a0Oppositional Defiant Disorder<\/a>, to name a few.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
A full description of symptoms for a\u00a0diagnosis of ADHD\u00a0can be found in the Diagnostic and\u00a0Statistical Manual\u00a0of Mental Disorders, or the\u00a0DSM-5.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTalk to a Specialist\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n
\n\t\tSome Consequences of ADHD in Teens\n\t<\/h2>\n\t
ADHD in teens is linked to several consequences. Given the fact that ADHD is associated with distractibility and inattention, teens with ADHD may have significant trouble with academic performance, especially once they are in high school and have more rigorous classes and a larger load of schoolwork.<\/p>\n
If your daughter or son is a teen with ADHD, they may be inattentive in class, which can interfere with learning. They may also make careless mistakes on homework and tests, resulting in lower scores. In addition, inattention associated with ADHD may cause teens to miss assignment instructions and complete work incorrectly. Due to disorganization, they may also forget assignment due dates or save work until the last minute, also causing lower grades on schoolwork.<\/p>\n
Beyond consequences at school,\u00a0young people\u00a0with\u00a0ADHD\u00a0may have\u00a0social skills\u00a0deficits or struggle with\u00a0low-self esteem<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This is because\u00a0hyperactive\u00a0and impulsive behaviors can seem odd during the\u00a0teen years. Peers may not understand that a teen with\u00a0ADHD\u00a0has a legitimate\u00a0mental health\u00a0condition that causes behavioral challenges, and they may find behaviors such as interrupting conversations to be off-putting.<\/p>\n
For instance,\u00a0young people\u00a0with\u00a0ADHD\u00a0may barge into others’ conversations, not intending to be offensive. Behaviors such as constant fidgeting and tapping can also appear odd and lead to teasing or rejection from peers. All of these can negatively impact\u00a0self-esteem\u00a0and cause teens with\u00a0ADHD\u00a0to become self-conscious, leading to further difficulties with\u00a0social skills.<\/p>\n
Another risk factor associated with\u00a0ADHD\u00a0in teens is\u00a0substance abuse<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Research<\/a> shows that addictions, or substance use disorders, are highly prevalent among those with ADHD, and that young people with ADHD are at high risk of substance abuse. Some teens with ADHD may abuse drugs in order to control moods or help with sleep. Some research shows that those with ADHD may have brain abnormalities that make them more vulnerable to substance abuse. It is also possible that teens may use drugs or alcohol<\/a> to help with social skills, or to help them cope with self-esteem issues that result from ADHD.<\/p>\n
Whatever the reason for drug use, it is known that teens with\u00a0ADHD\u00a0are more likely to engage in\u00a0substance abuse\u00a0when compared to peers without\u00a0ADHD, so a\u00a0treatment plan\u00a0for\u00a0ADHD\u00a0may need to include services to address drug use.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tContact Our Team\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n
\n\t\tTreatment of ADHD in Teens\n\t<\/h2>\n\t
Symptoms of hyperactivity,\u00a0impulsivity\u00a0and\u00a0inattention\u00a0can cause significant problems for teens with\u00a0ADHD, so a quality\u00a0treatment plan\u00a0is important.<\/p>\n
As the\u00a0CDC<\/a>\u00a0reports, the\u00a0American Academy of Pediatrics\u00a0recommends that\u00a0younger children\u00a0be treated with\u00a0behavior therapy\u00a0before seeking treatment with\u00a0ADHD medications.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, the best practice for teens with\u00a0ADHD\u00a0is a treatment that includes a combination of\u00a0behavior therapy<\/a> and medication.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The most common\u00a0ADHD medications\u00a0are\u00a0stimulant medications, such as\u00a0Adderall\u00a0and\u00a0Ritalin. According to the\u00a0CDC,<\/a>\u00a0stimulant medications\u00a0work quickly, and the majority of children who take them show a reduction in\u00a0symptoms of ADHD.<\/p>\n
While\u00a0ADHD medications\u00a0are effective, they can come along with some\u00a0side effects, such as low appetite and sleep problems. Fortunately, there are multiple\u00a0stimulant medications\u00a0available, and\u00a0pediatricians\u00a0can work with teens to determine which medication seems to have the fewest\u00a0side effects. Despite the\u00a0side effects\u00a0of\u00a0stimulant medications, one additional benefit of them is that some\u00a0research<\/a>\u00a0shows\u00a0that\u00a0young people\u00a0are less likely to have problems with\u00a0substance abuse\u00a0if they take\u00a0ADHD medications.<\/p>\n
As previously noted,\u00a0behavior therapy\u00a0is also an important part of the\u00a0ADHD\u00a0treatment plan. According to the\u00a0CDC,\u00a0behavior therapy\u00a0for\u00a0ADHD\u00a0in\u00a0young people\u00a0often includes the parents.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
A therapist working with you, parents of a teen with\u00a0ADHD,\u00a0will teach strategies such as using positive reinforcement and creating structure.\u00a0Family members\u00a0can play a major role in a\u00a0teen’s behavior\u00a0if they commit to practicing\u00a0behavior therapy\u00a0at home.<\/p>\n
An ADHD treatment plan may also include school-based strategies. For example, young people with ADHD may qualify for special education services and supports, which provide them with accommodations and even specialized instruction in organization and behavior to help them overcome symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention to lessen their impact on school work. According to the CDC<\/a>, students with ADHD may be given accommodations such as extended time to complete tests, breaks for movement, or additional instructions to meet their needs.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTreatment Options\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n
\n\t\tSeeking an ADHD Treatment Plan for Your Teen\n\t<\/h2>\n\t
If your\u00a0teen’s behavior\u00a0suggests that they may be showing\u00a0symptoms of ADHD, it is important to reach out for help to help them cope.<\/p>\n
A professional who specializes in\u00a0adolescent psychiatry\u00a0or\u00a0childhood ADHD\u00a0can perform an assessment of your\u00a0teen’s behavior\u00a0and\u00a0mental health\u00a0and create an\u00a0ADHD\u00a0treatment plan\u00a0if necessary.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0teenage years\u00a0can be challenging, especially for\u00a0young people\u00a0with\u00a0ADHD\u00a0symptoms, but treatment is effective and can help to manage symptoms, as well as improve peer relationships and reduce\u00a0risky behavior\u00a0like\u00a0substance abuse.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Embark Behavioral Health\u00a0provides treatment services for teens with\u00a0ADHD. We offer access to a full continuum<\/a> of services for\u00a0teens and\u00a0young adults across the United States with anxiety, depression and other mental health or substance abuse issues. We offer psychiatric and psychological assessments, intensive outpatient, in-home, and family therapy; accredited and licensed wilderness therapy, partial hospitalization and day treatment, rehab and residential treatment programs, as well as virtual therapy. Our therapies are facilitated by a team of experienced, highly qualified, licensed clinical and medical professionals that specialize in working with adolescents.<\/p>\n
\n\t\tYour healing journey starts here.\n\t<\/h2>\n\t
Our services provide your family with affordable help, when and where you need it, at the right level of care. We also accept most insurance.<\/p>\n
Contact us to learn more<\/a> about treatment for ADHD in teens today.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind a Program\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\tor\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCall Now: 866-479-3050\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Do you think your daughter or son may have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that ADHD is a condition that involves a stable pattern of inattention that impedes a teenager’s development or functioning. Some teens with ADHD experience hyperactivity and impulsivity instead of inattention, whereas others still will…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":18569,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"yoast_head":"\n
ADHD in Teens: Symptoms & Treatment - Embark Behavioral Health<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n","yoast_head_json":{"title":"ADHD in Teens: Symptoms & Treatment - Embark Behavioral Health","description":"Do you think your daughter or son may have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder? Learn more about the symptoms of ADHD in teens.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/adhd-in-teens\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"ADHD in Teens","og_description":"Do you think your daughter or son may have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that","og_url":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/adhd-in-teens\/","og_site_name":"Embark Behavioral Health","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/embarkbh","article_modified_time":"2024-04-22T22:45:10+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1422,"height":800,"url":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/AdobeStock_249838076-scaled.jpeg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@embarkbh","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/adhd-in-teens\/","url":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/adhd-in-teens\/","name":"ADHD in Teens: Symptoms & Treatment - Embark Behavioral Health","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/adhd-in-teens\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/adhd-in-teens\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/AdobeStock_249838076-scaled.jpeg","datePublished":"2020-11-10T22:30:36+00:00","dateModified":"2024-04-22T22:45:10+00:00","description":"Do you think your daughter or son may have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder? Learn more about the symptoms of ADHD in teens.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/adhd-in-teens\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/adhd-in-teens\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/adhd-in-teens\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/AdobeStock_249838076-scaled.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/AdobeStock_249838076-scaled.jpeg","width":1422,"height":800,"caption":"ADHD in teens"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/adhd-in-teens\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"ADHD in Teens"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/","name":"Embark Behavioral Health","description":"Helping Families Navigate Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/#organization","name":"Embark Behavioral Healthcare","url":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/All-Logos-_2019_Embark-BH-COLOR_HR.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/All-Logos-_2019_Embark-BH-COLOR_HR.png","width":1500,"height":328,"caption":"Embark Behavioral Healthcare"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/embarkbh","https:\/\/x.com\/embarkbh","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/embarkbh\/"]}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16155"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16155"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16155\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36242,"href":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16155\/revisions\/36242"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18569"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16155"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}