How does attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affect teens?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Being a teen is tough. Your body is changing, you feel like your parent (or teacher) is always yelling at you for something, and all you want to do is sleep.
Well, if you add attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), functioning is that much harder.
So it is no surprise that teens with ADHD can have trouble with anxiety, depression, and even substance abuse.
Luckily, a combination of medication and therapy works as well as Batman and Robin to reduce ADHD symptoms and emotional problems.
Being a teen is tough. Your body is changing, you feel like your parent (or teacher) is always yelling at you for something, and all you want to do is sleep. Well, if you add attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), functioning is that much... More -
Being a teenager isn't always easy. Teens with ADHD can have a tough time. School may be a struggle, and some teens take too many risks or break rules. But like children with ADHD, teens can get better with treatment.
This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Being a teenager isn't always easy. Teens with ADHD can have a tough time. School may be a struggle, and some teens take too many risks or break rules. But like children with ADHD, teens can get better with treatment. This answer is based on source... More -
Dr. Ronald Mark Firth of Intermountain Healthcare answered:Attention deficit disorder affects the person's ability to concentrate and sort out the important stimuli from the unimportant stimuli. People with ADD are extremely bright, but ADD causes difficulty being successful in several areas leaving the teen feeling like a loser. The teen years are so important in developing a sense of self. They are distracted not only with school work, but social clues, family priorities and general follow through. They will receive feedback from peers that they are difficult to be around as they are impulsive and don't "follow the rules". Often they are labeled as stupid (far from the truth) or disruptive. Impulsive behavior often gets them in to trouble.
Parent-child relationships are strained because at a time when developing independence is so important the parents have to be increasingly involved to ensure their success with homework and other important matters. This puts the teens independence-seeking at odds with the parents' success-seeking desires for their teen.
The future success of the teen is intimately tied to school success. Success in school is dependent on completing tasks on time, retaining information from textbooks, interacting in group assignments, and doing well on timed tests. All of these tasks are difficult for teens with ADD.
Thus, the most important things in a teens life are negatively impacted by ADD - self esteem, friends, developing independence and the developing parent-child-as-an- adult relationship.
Unless the condition is properly addressed, it can be an explosive situation for the teen. Often they turn to drugs, alcohol and friends that are not excelling either in an effort to fit in and dull the pain of their lack of success.
Attention deficit disorder affects the person's ability to concentrate and sort out the important stimuli from the unimportant stimuli. People with ADD are extremely bright, but ADD causes difficulty being successful in several areas leaving... More -
Dr. Diana Blythe of Pediatric Associates answered:Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affects teens in much the same way as younger children. Unfortunately teens usually have more schoolwork to do and more obligations. Time management is even more important, as is making any needed modifications to medications.
Try keeping a homework/activity log in a day planner. By doing this, teens will be able to track their commitments. In addition, remember that it is okay to drop an activity if workload becomes overwhelming.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affects teens in much the same way as younger children. Unfortunately teens usually have more schoolwork to do and more obligations. Time management is even more important, as is making any needed... More -
Dr. Lara Honos-Webb answered:Sometimes teens with ADHD think that they are not on the same playing field as others, but that is not true. ADHD does, however, present many challenges for teens. Having ADHD means teens are different from others in what they pay attention to. Teachers and parents complain that the teen has difficulty focusing on schoolwork or following directions. Others may complain the teen is too hyper.
ADHD comes with gifts as well as challenges. If the teen can find and focus on the gifts he can build the confidence and motivation needed to achieve his goals. Many teens with ADHD are creative, emotionally sensitive, and good at reading others. While these very gifts may create challenges in getting good grades, they offer opportunities for success in many arenas and career choices.
Sometimes teens with ADHD think that they are not on the same playing field as others, but that is not true. ADHD does, however, present many challenges for teens. Having ADHD means teens are different from others in what they pay attention to.... More -
Donna Hill Howes answered:Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can sometimes make life difficult for teens. Teens may feel frustrated or embarrassed by what they consider a label of ADHD. While some symptoms of ADHD improve at this time, others get more serious.
On a positive note, symptoms of hyperactivity may decrease between childhood and adolescence. Your once-fidgety child may now have an easier time sitting still and concentrating.
Unfortunately, other ADHD symptoms do not go away. The teen years bring an increased workload and more responsibilities. Increased pressure from peers, coaches, and teachers can all add stress to your teen's life. Teens with ADHD may not be as well-equipped to handle these situations as others. If your teen appears to be sensitive, depressed, or is abusing drugs or alcohol, seek help. Counseling can be very beneficial for teens with ADHD.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can sometimes make life difficult for teens. Teens may feel frustrated or embarrassed by what they consider a label of ADHD. While some symptoms of ADHD improve at this time, others get more... More
