ADHD and Teens
People used to think that just young kids had ADHD and that you outgrew it as you got older. Now we know differently. Research has shown that about 60% of children diagnosed with ADHD continue to have symptoms through adolescence and into adulthood. Having ADHD doesn’t have to get in the way of pursuing your passions, living a happy life, and being successful in your work.
The main symptoms of ADHD—inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity—remain the same during your teen years as they were in your childhood. However, you may struggle less with hyperactivity, or you may notice greater challenges with focusing on schoolwork and other responsibilities. This is because there are more demands on your time and higher expectations for you to function independently.
Another characteristic associated with ADHD in adolescence is difficulty with “executive function,” which is controlled by the parts of the brain that activate, organize, integrate and manage other functions. Executive function allows you to think about goals and consequences for your actions, plan accordingly, evaluate your progress and shift plans as necessary. In adolescence, your parents and teachers expect you to start doing these things more independently, and sometimes that transition can be tough on you and those around you.
ADHD Can Affect… |
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Home Functioning: On average, households of adolescents with ADHD have higher levels of parent-teen conflict than households with teens who do not have ADHD. Symptoms associated with ADHD such as difficulties with organization, forgetfulness and thinking before acting may make your parents reluctant to give you the freedom you desire. Clear communication is important.Don’t discuss issues when you are angry. Set aside a time when everyone is calm to discuss areas of disagreement. If family conflict is taking a large toll on the family, consider seeking help from qualified mental health professional. |
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Social Functioning: In adolescence, relationships with others your age become increasingly important. Your friendships are changing, you become interested in dating, and you encounter more significant peer pressure. You may notice that you tend to be more easily frustrated or more emotionally sensitive than others your age. Participating in structured social activities, such as sports, clubs, or youth groups, can help provide you with a built in social group and shared positive experiences. |
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Driving: Inattention and impulsivity can lead to more tickets and more accidents due to slower/variable reaction time and more impulsive errors. The use of stimulant medications has been found to have positive effects on driving performance. Always follow safe driving habits, such as using a seat-belt, observing the speed limit and minimizing distractions such as the use of mobile phones and eating while driving. |
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Academic Performance: High school comes with more demands to juggle, and less supervision. Academically, the workload and difficulty of the material increases, and long-term projects rather than daily homework assignments are the norm. You may benefit from assistance with note-taking, study skills and organization/time management training. |
Other Conditions in the Teen Years
- Up to 60% of children and teens with ADHD have been found to have at least one other condition.
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD). ODD is a term that means you may have difficulty accepting and following the rules and limits set by authority figures. CD is more severe and includes having difficulty with following rules set by authority figures but also includes difficulty following rules and laws set by society.
- Other conditions that affect how you feel (called mood disorders), including depression and dysthymia (a type of negative mood similar to depression but that lasts longer), can also be common in teens with ADHD.
- Anxiety disorders may be present in 10 – 40% of teens with ADHD. Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry, difficulty controlling your worries, and physical symptoms including headaches or upset stomach. They can also include “anxiety attacks” and make you want to avoid situations that make you anxious.
- Substance use and abuse is a significant concern of many parents and teens. The risk for later substance use among children with ADHD ranges from 12 – 24%.
- Learning and communication problems can also be common and may become apparent with the added demands of middle school and high school.
- Sleep disturbance is also common in teens with ADHD.
If you suspect that you may suffer from any of these additional disorders, talk to your parents about getting an evaluation by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other trained mental health professional.
Multi-modal Treatment
It is a myth that medication becomes less effective in the teen years. You and your parents may want to consider a change to a long acting medication to provide you with better symptom management throughout the day, as you may have activities after the school day has ended and into the evening hours. Behavioral treatment is another common treatment approach for teens with ADHD. Proven psychosocial treatments include parent-teen training in problem-solving and communication skills, parent training in behavioral management methods and teacher training in classroom management. The most common treatment for teens with ADHD likely combines medication and psychosocial treatment. This is known as multi-modal treatment.
Your Future
Only you can determine your future. Teens with ADHD are at risk for potentially serious problems as they transition into adulthood and about two-thirds of teens with ADHD continue to experience significant symptoms of ADHD in adulthood. In addition, as they become adults, teens with ADHD are at higher risk for difficulties in education, occupation and social relationships. However, these are only risks, they are not guarantees. Most teens with ADHD become successful, productive adults — and so can you! Continued awareness and treatment is crucial so that you can avoid the risks and meet the goals you set for yourself – whatever they are!