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What are the top 15 symptoms of ADHD in Teenagers?


What is ADHD in Teenagers?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD for short, is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder that makes it difficult for an individual to concentrate, follow instructions, sit, or standstill. 

However, the symptoms of ADHD in Teenagers and adults look different for the different age groups. 

Medications and some behavioral therapy can manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder but can not treat it completely. 

Symptoms of ADHD in Teenagers

ADHD in Teenagers can be diagnosed if they experience some of the following symptoms:

  • Lack of focus or concentration 
  • Disorganization 
  • Self-focused behavior
  • Fidgeting or restlessness 
  • Heightened emotionality
  • Fear of rejection
  • Daydreaming
  • Impulsiveness 
  • Difficulty in following instructions or conversation 
  • Procrastination
  • Trouble working quietly
  • Trouble in following social norms 
  • Difficulty in compromising or adjusting 
  • Personal hygiene issues
  • Difficulty following directions

Are symptoms vary between teen boys and teen girls?

According to the reports, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that boys are more prone to ADHD than girls. Although ADHD symptoms between girls and boys can differ and the only similarity it holds is that it can make the life of both genders far more complex. 

What risks do teens with ADHD face?

The phase of adolescence can be more difficult if you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It can increase the risk of the following situations:

  • Lack of performance at the workplace
  • Problems in relationships 
  • Addiction to drugs or alcohol 
  • Accidents or severe injuries 
  • Obesity 
  • Destructive and self detrimental behavior 
  • Mood swings 
  • Anxiety or depression  

How are ADHD symptoms in teens diagnosed?

One can easily be diagnosed with ADHD during their childhood days. Sometimes we tend to confuse ADHD with other mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, sleeping disorders, hearing and vision problems, learning disabilities, mood or personality disorders. Therefore, it becomes essential to diagnose the condition correctly and start the treatment accordingly. 

According to the mental health manual released by the national mental health institute; it suggests that we can categorize ADHD into three types such as:

  • Predominantly inattentive
  • Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
  • Combined presentation

Treating ADHD in Teenagers

According to the reports, approximately 15% of teenagers have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), affecting 65 % of their daily lives. Therefore, it becomes mandatory to manage and treat ADHD. Your mental health professional will suggest you the following medications along with some behavioral therapy to relieve you from ADHD symptoms more effectively:

Medications for ADHD

Your doctor will prescribe you the minimum possible dose according to your health condition and will further adjust your medicine dose as and when required. 

Behavioral therapy for ADHD includes:

  • Social skills
  • Problem-solving skills 
  • Organizational skills

Some changes in your lifestyle and medications and behavioral therapy can do miracles in managing the situation. You can adopt the following changes in your lifestyle and manage the condition with ease:

  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet. 
  • Avoid taking beverages 
  • Exercise daily
  • Perform yoga and meditation  
  • Keep yourself busy in productive activities. 
  • Take proper sleep 

How to help teenagers with ADHD cope?

During adolescence, almost every child strives for independence. Teens feel they are self-sufficient, but in reality, they need some support from their parents to understand them and answer all the questions they are fighting within. The following are some ways you can help your teen cope with ADHD: 

  • Please understand their struggles. Being harsh on them might not work. 
  • Make a proper schedule for your teens and ask them to follow the same. 
  • Let them organize their things but do help them if they need to. 
  • Instruct them slowly. 
  • Support them academically. 
  • Encourage conversation 
  • Keep your behavior friendly with them. 
  • Teach them right and wrong 
  • Consider them mature and responsible. 
  • Praise them for their minor good deeds. 
  • Don’t punish them unnecessarily. 
  • Take care of their mental health.
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