Adolescent ADD-ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) is a Neurodevelopmental Disorder that is usually given before the age of 12. However, most children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) continue to meet the diagnostic criteria for this disorder well into adolescence. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) effects many areas of an adolescent’s life such as school, work, and relationships. Adolescent years are some of the most exciting and difficult years for many individuals and living with this diagnosis can make those years even more difficult and stressful.

Understanding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) can be described as a pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. This pattern begins before the age of 12 and is present in at least two settings such as at school and at home. There are three specifiers used to indicate a specific subtype of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); Predominately inattentive presentation, predominately hyperactive/impulsive presentation, and combined presentation.
1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: These individuals show symptoms such as failing to pay close attention to details, avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort, losing things, appearing forgetful, being easily distracted, and difficulties paying attention, listening, following instruction, and organizing.
2. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Predominately Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation: These individuals show symptoms such as always being “on the go”, fidgeting frequently, talking excessively, blurting out an answer before the question is completed, interrupting others, at inappropriate times leaving seat, running, or climbing, and difficulties waiting his/her turn and engaging in leisure activities.
3. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Combined Presentation: These individuals show at least six symptoms of inattention and six symptoms of hyperactive/impulsive presentation.

Living with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as an Adolescent

Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often show some academic difficulties even though their IQ is average or above average. They also may have social adjustment problems such as having few friends and being the victim of peer rejection. It is important to be aware that the symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) may vary as the individual gets older and moves through their adolescent years into adulthood. Hyperactivity may begin to manifest as an inner sense of restlessness or feeling overwhelmed. Impulsivity may begin to appear as impatience, irritability, or reckless driving. Symptoms of inattention may manifest as an inability to prioritize and maintain tasks. It is important to provide adolescents diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) the help and the support they need to not only navigate through their adolescent years but to learn to navigate while also living with the diagnosis. Adolescence is a period that is full of many changes and challenges as a child becomes an adult. Part of becoming an adult is having the ability and at some times the burden of taking care of one’s own health. Having a mental health disorder as an adolescent is not easy and can often lead to a lack of compliance. Noncompliance with medical regimens is a common problem with adolescents for reasons related to wanting to fit in socially, wanting to make his/her own decisions, lack of knowledge and communication, or not trusting the health care provider. Caring professionals at each of our locations strive to make sure adolescents are educated about their diagnosis and communicate with them to establish a plan that they are willing to follow and that works best for them.
Along with working directly with the adolescent, our Therapists, Counselors, Psychotherapists, and Psychologists work with adults to help ensue they feel their adolescent is getting the best care possible as they journey through life with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Finding a ADD/ADHD Specialist Near You

We have many offices conveniently located through out the state of Michigan with therapists ready to help your teen manage their ADD/ADHD.  Click on the city nearest you for more information:

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