Some of the Common Symptoms of ADHD to Look Out for in Teens
Studies show that ADHD is one of the most prevalent disorders among the children and teens of America.
The symptoms of this disorders are considered to be disruptive, meaning that they may interfere with what could be considered as "normal" daily functions of individuals.
As such, ADHD can seriously affect a teen's life and the way that he relates with other people, as well as how he performs in school.
Unlike what other people want to believe, ADHD isn't something a child can simply outgrow.
The symptoms of ADHD teens experience can extend to their adult lives without proper and consistent intervention.
Teen ADHD symptoms may vary because it's often coexisting with other mood disorders.
For example, some symptoms ADHD teens have can be mixed with the symptoms of ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), some with depression, OCD, anxiety, and others.
Here are the most common teen ADHD symptoms that parents and guardians should be familiar with: 1.
Teen is easily distracted 2.
Has marked difficulties concentrating 3.
Cannot seem to finish most task that he starts 4.
Hyperactive 5.
Talks over other people 6.
Impulsive, does things first before thinking them through 7.
Has insomnia 8.
Has frequent emotional outbursts 9.
Irritable How ADHD affects the life of teens The area where teens with ADHD are most challenged is often in school.
In school, his interactions with teachers and fellow students often highlight the things that are different about them, and it's also a major source of frustration most of the time.
For example, a teen may start out wanting to listen to a teacher's lecture but ends up staring outside the window or occupied by any other activity while in class.
A teen may write down the details of an assignment only to forget where he wrote it when he gets home.
In fact, he completely forgets about the assignment and starts playing video games instead.
Oddly enough, most teens with ADHD are attracted to video games so much that it borders on obsessive.
This kind of fixation makes it even harder for teens to tear themselves away from the games and start engaging other people and socializing with them.
Because teens with ADHD often struggle with social cues and mores, their peers are often annoyed with them and would rather not have them as friends.
As a result, they struggle for acceptance and eventually start to run with the wrong crowd and engage in risky behavior.
Teens with ADHD often also turn to substances and dangerous activities in order to "take the edge off", which is really just their way of coping with the symptoms of a disorder that they don't understand.
Parents can help their teens manage the symptoms of ADHD and become more balanced, but it takes consistent, hard work.
It's always best to work with a mental health professional from intervention to maintenance.
Here are a few suggestions that may help parents help their teens too: 1.
Talk to the doctor about a holistic path involving medication as well as therapy.
2.
Establish a clear schedule that's easy to follow and understand.
Make copies of this and put it in places where your teen can always see it.
3.
Engage your teen in activities that will help build his self-esteem.
4.
Work with your teen closely on his schoolwork.
Teach your child studying and learning techniques or ask a mental health expert to help you with this.
5.
Be in close contact with your teen's teachers and make sure they know your teen's disorder and that you know what's going on with your teen at school.
6.
Stay calm when disciplining your teen, don't engage him in an emotional exchange.
7.
Make sure your teen gets sufficient sleep everyday.
The symptoms of this disorders are considered to be disruptive, meaning that they may interfere with what could be considered as "normal" daily functions of individuals.
As such, ADHD can seriously affect a teen's life and the way that he relates with other people, as well as how he performs in school.
Unlike what other people want to believe, ADHD isn't something a child can simply outgrow.
The symptoms of ADHD teens experience can extend to their adult lives without proper and consistent intervention.
Teen ADHD symptoms may vary because it's often coexisting with other mood disorders.
For example, some symptoms ADHD teens have can be mixed with the symptoms of ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), some with depression, OCD, anxiety, and others.
Here are the most common teen ADHD symptoms that parents and guardians should be familiar with: 1.
Teen is easily distracted 2.
Has marked difficulties concentrating 3.
Cannot seem to finish most task that he starts 4.
Hyperactive 5.
Talks over other people 6.
Impulsive, does things first before thinking them through 7.
Has insomnia 8.
Has frequent emotional outbursts 9.
Irritable How ADHD affects the life of teens The area where teens with ADHD are most challenged is often in school.
In school, his interactions with teachers and fellow students often highlight the things that are different about them, and it's also a major source of frustration most of the time.
For example, a teen may start out wanting to listen to a teacher's lecture but ends up staring outside the window or occupied by any other activity while in class.
A teen may write down the details of an assignment only to forget where he wrote it when he gets home.
In fact, he completely forgets about the assignment and starts playing video games instead.
Oddly enough, most teens with ADHD are attracted to video games so much that it borders on obsessive.
This kind of fixation makes it even harder for teens to tear themselves away from the games and start engaging other people and socializing with them.
Because teens with ADHD often struggle with social cues and mores, their peers are often annoyed with them and would rather not have them as friends.
As a result, they struggle for acceptance and eventually start to run with the wrong crowd and engage in risky behavior.
Teens with ADHD often also turn to substances and dangerous activities in order to "take the edge off", which is really just their way of coping with the symptoms of a disorder that they don't understand.
Parents can help their teens manage the symptoms of ADHD and become more balanced, but it takes consistent, hard work.
It's always best to work with a mental health professional from intervention to maintenance.
Here are a few suggestions that may help parents help their teens too: 1.
Talk to the doctor about a holistic path involving medication as well as therapy.
2.
Establish a clear schedule that's easy to follow and understand.
Make copies of this and put it in places where your teen can always see it.
3.
Engage your teen in activities that will help build his self-esteem.
4.
Work with your teen closely on his schoolwork.
Teach your child studying and learning techniques or ask a mental health expert to help you with this.
5.
Be in close contact with your teen's teachers and make sure they know your teen's disorder and that you know what's going on with your teen at school.
6.
Stay calm when disciplining your teen, don't engage him in an emotional exchange.
7.
Make sure your teen gets sufficient sleep everyday.