ADHD in Teens - All One Needs to Know

Introduction

Finding children or teenagers hyperactive and unable to focus is becoming a more common sight, thanks to the overuse of technology! They can be seen moving around actively when they are not allowed to or behave rather impulsively. They may not be able to concentrate for a period of time and can get restless. In addition, they may behave out of the blue in order to attract attention. All these points point to a condition called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD can show a persistent impulsive nature, hyperactivity, and attention deficit. In some cases, it can be severe that it interferes with the daily activities of the child, and affects relationships. It starts in childhood and carries on to later years like teenage and adulthood. Studies show that over three million children between the ages of twelve and seventeen are diagnosed with the condition each year.

What Are the Symptoms of ADHD in Teens?

Every individual may have some signs of the condition; not all the signs need to be evident in an individual. The common signs of ADHD in a teenager can include:

• Lack of Focus: Teenagers with ADHD often find it hard to stay focused on a particular task. They might switch from one project to another often, as they lose interest and find it difficult to concentrate on one for a long period of time. They tend to make careless mistakes as they lack focus and get distracted easily.

• Disorganized: Young adults with the condition tend to be disorganized. Missing house keys and occasionally searching for glasses are considered normal. However, teens with ADHD always lose things, ending up searching for them always. They also find it hard to manage time, which causes them to miss appointments or not meeting the deadlines.

• Self-focused Behavior: Teens with ADHD do not understand or recognize other people’s needs or interests. Hence, they would find it difficult to move forward as a team and be self-centered. They also find it hard to wait in queues, take turns, or wait for someone. In addition, they might not be able to understand if they have offended or hurt someone. As a result, they might not have a wide circle of friends or any friends at all.

• Fidgeting: Teens with ADHD are very restless and find it a Herculean task to stand still or wait patiently. Children with this condition often find it difficult to sit in their classes for long, as they get restless and distracted easily. They are also seen to spend a lot of their time daydreaming and in a fantasy world.

• Emotional Hurdles: Studies show that people with ADHD reach emotional maturity later than normal people of their age. Teenage is a period when people face a rollercoaster of emotions due to their hormonal changes. Teenagers with ADHD find it hard to control their emotions, often resulting in angry outbursts and overly dramatic scenes at inappropriate times.

• Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: When a person faces an intense emotional insecurity or an overwhelming sensitivity to criticism or rejection, it is called rejection-sensitive dysphoria. Teenage is a period when children become extra sensitive to people’s opinions, and ADHD can make it worse. Rejection, teasing, or criticism can cause them to trigger high emotions.

• Impulsivity: Teenagers are generally impulsive in nature. This is probably due to the unending energy in their young blood, and the urge to share their opinions and thoughts. However, this is higher for a teen with ADHD. They often find it difficult to resist temptations, ending up facing unfavorable consequences.

• Difficulty in Conversation: People with ADHD often lack communication skills, which makes it difficult to follow a conversation. They might not be patient enough to listen to what the other person is saying, especially in long conversations. They might talk too much, interrupt abruptly in conversation, or butt in the middle of other people’s conversations.

• Procrastination: Procrastination is a byproduct of the lack of focus. They can tend to put off for a long period of time, and they might end up missing the deadline.

• Personal Hygiene: Some people with ADHD find it difficult to maintain personal hygiene. This might be related to procrastination or their inability to focus.

What Are the Risks That Teens With ADHD Have to Face?

The eagerness to be independent and express one’s opinions increases as a child emerges into puberty. Managing these in a teen with ADHD is challenging, and requires patience. The risks of a teenager with ADHD can include:

• Suicidal thoughts.

• Sexual behaviors that can be risky.

• Road traffic accidents.

• Troubles at their workplaces.

• Drug abuse.

• Mental health issues leading to habits like smoking and alcohol.

• Obesity.

• Relationship issues.

• Poor academic performance.

• Poor family relations.

How Is ADHD in Teenagers Diagnosed?

ADHD is usually diagnosed during early childhood. Diagnosing the condition during teenage can be challenging, as teenagers are hyperactive, and many symptoms can be missed. In addition, symptoms can overlap with the symptoms of other conditions like anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, learning disabilities, or other mood or personality disorders. There is no standard test that can be done to diagnose the condition. Diagnosis usually requires a combination of physical examination as well as hearing and vision tests. The teenager might be asked to fill out many questionnaires related to their symptoms. It requires a trained expert to diagnose the condition correctly.

How Can Teens With ADHD Managed?

ADHD is a condition that might require treatment throughout life, as it can be triggered by simple activities. They might show the symptoms even at 25 years of age, and may affect their daily life. Hence, getting appropriate help can improve their life as well as those associated with them. Co-existing conditions like depression, suicidal tendencies, etc., also require to be managed appropriately.

• Medication: Studies show that seventy percent of people respond to stimulant medication like Dextroamphetamine, Methylphenidate, or Lisdexamfetamine. The healthcare professionals would start on low doses and increase if required through continuous monitoring.

• Behavioral Therapy: This helps the patients cope with their emotions and manage their responses appropriately. They will be trained in social skills, organizing, problem-solving, and other aspects that require pruning.

• Diet and Lifestyle: Studies show that certain lifestyle modifications can help teenagers with ADHD do better in their lives. These can include following a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean proteins, avoiding sweetened, carbonated, and caffeinated drinks, limiting screentime, regular exercise, and proper sleep routine.

Conclusion

Teenage is a time when children are full of energy and still require support and guidance. Teenagers with ADHD can require special attention once diagnosed. Being patient with them and understanding their struggles can prove to be more effective. Appreciating every small effort that they take can do wonders for their overall development.