Does My Teenager Have ADD? Signs, Treatments, And More

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), now referred to as Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder affecting the brain. It can cause problems that most often interfere with school and learning. Symptoms may include trouble focusing, problems with memory, and impulsiveness. 

ADHD is most commonly diagnosed during childhood and is characterized by high energy and the inability to sit still in class. Sometimes ADHD can go undetected, not coming to the surface until the teen years.

An ADHD diagnosis in teens is not always easy to spot. Parents can mistake symptoms for other mental health disorders, or just roll them out as being lazy or a “bad kid”. 

Understanding what ADHD is and recognizing the signs is helpful for parents to make informed decisions when getting their teen professional treatment. 

What is ADD? Is it Different from ADHD? 

ADD (now known as ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in kids and teens. It is marked by low rates of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.

Dopamine is the chemical that helps manage reward processing, motivation, pleasure, and focus. Four regions of the brain affected by ADHD include: 

• Prefrontal cortex
• Limbic system 
• Basal ganglia 
• Reticular Activating System 

ADD and ADHD are the same. ADHD is simply the updated diagnostic term for ADD. 

Signs of ADHD in Teens 

Teens may present with hyperactive ADHD, inattentive ADHD, or a combination of both. 

Hyperactive ADHD may include more externalized symptoms, these can include: 

• Increased energy (trouble staying still) 
• Fidgeting 
• Impulsivity 
• Aggression 
• Trouble managing emotions

 Inattentive ADHD may include more internalized symptoms, these can include: 

• Daydreaming
• Inability to focus 
• Anxiety
• Depression

Can Puberty Worsen ADHD? 

Unfortunately, teens with ADHD may have an extra layer of struggle when dealing with puberty. Changes in hormones can heighten certain symptoms of ADHD. This may look different for boys and girls. 

High testosterone in boys can make symptoms of ADHD worse such as aggression and recklessness. In teen girls, high estrogen and progesterone may cause more mood swings, anxiety, and depression. 

Puberty can also impact the effectiveness of certain medications. Some studies show an increased amount of estrogen can even enhance the response to ADHD medications. 

Getting ADHD Diagnosed As A Teen 

ADHD is usually diagnosed in children. Diagnosing in teens can be tricky due to overlapping symptoms with other mental health problems. An ADHD diagnosis is usually performed by a team that includes a psychologist,  pediatrician, and psychiatrist. 

Diagnosing uses a behavioral checklist, in-depth interviews with family, and will rule out any trauma that could be causing underlying symptoms. 

How Can A Teen Manage Their ADHD? 

It´s important for teens to receive education about their disorder and learn tools that can help them cope with symptoms. ADHD is not curable but can be managed to help them live a functional life. Some tips for teens to manage their ADHD include: 

• Use tools that help you stay organized such as a planner or calendar app on your phone
• Get daily movement and exercise to burn off excess energy 
• Practice mindfulness activities to reduce stress and increase focus (yoga, deep breathing, meditation) 
• Talk with your teachers about your ADHD to come up with a plan of action for being successful in class.
• Turn off your phone and limit distractions when doing homework 
• Try sitting in the front of the class to increase your focus 
• Get involved in an activity or sport that you enjoy. Sometimes teens with ADHD can focus on a hobby better when they are more passionate about it

Strategies for Parents 

As a parent, supporting a teen with ADHD can be difficult without professional support. Untreated ADHD can decrease school performance, strain relationships, and even lead to substance abuse or legal problems. 

It is recommended to seek professional help if you suspect your teen has ADHD. Specialists can work with them to help establish routines, manage medication, and treat co-occurring mental health disorders if present.   

Some common strategies parents can use around the home to help manage ADHD in their teens include: 

• Establish routines 
• Clear and direct instructions 
• Set boundaries around behavior. 
• Ensure they get enough rest every night. Lack of sleep can cause heightened symptoms of ADHD. 
• Help your teen recognize and manage triggers that may make them more overstimulated or cause frustration. 

Seeking Professional Help in Texas 

If you notice your teen is struggling with ADHD, reach out for professional support to help find the best plan of treatment. 

At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands the complex nature of behavioral disorders in teens. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more. 

Sources 

Srichawla, B. S., Telles, C. C., Schweitzer, M., & Darwish, B. (2022). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance Use Disorder: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 14(4), e24068.