If your child has entered adolescence and is exhibiting traits of impulsive nature, irritability and persistent distraction over a long span of time, it is best to consult a doctor to diagnose the medical condition, if there is a doubt of ADHD. ADHD is also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This condition is found prominently in children and toddlers, though the symptoms can also show up in adolescents. Studies have shown that about 8-10% of the school children are affected with this behavioral disorder, and the most affected are teenagers. So to understand this disorder in teens, it is first important to understand the ADHD symptoms in teenagers.
Symptoms of ADHD in Teenagers
Teenage is a trying time not only for the teen, but for the family too. And if the teen is suffering from ADHD symptoms, it can get worse. Because diagnosing this condition is not easy, as many of the symptoms exhibited in this condition are ambiguous with the normal teen behavior of hyperactivity, irritability and impulsiveness. And in some cases, symptoms of ADHD in teenagers also coexist with anxiety disorders and mood swings, which makes it even more difficult to detect. Drug abuse can also mimic ADHD symptoms in teenagers. The symptoms of ADHD are classified across three categories of the disorder
* Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
* Predominantly inattentive
* Combined Hyperactive-Impulsive and inattentive
Of the above, the third one is most common in children and toddlers and the rest are common in teens and adults. Below are some prominent ADHD symptoms in teenagers.
* Lack of concentration and extremely restless (Predominantly inattentive)
* Easily distracted (Predominantly inattentive)
* Insomnia (Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive)
* Difficulty in following instructions and organizing tasks (Predominantly inattentive)
* Jumping from one task to another without finishing the first (Predominantly inattentive)
* High levels of impulsiveness and aggression(Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive)
* Incessant talking and interrupting conversation (Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive)
* Poor listening (Predominantly inattentive)
* Taking unwanted risks without assessing the consequences (Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive)
* Extremely forgetful in daily activities (Predominantly inattentive)
* Avoiding tasks and activities like homework (Predominantly inattentive)
* Constant fidgeting with feet or hands (Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive)
ADHD Symptoms in teenagers are not attributed to any particular race or socioeconomic background. Causes of ADHD are mostly factored by conditions like emotional trauma (like death or divorce), anxiety, smoking, drug abuse during pregnancy, grave effects of environmental toxins and heredity.
Teenage is a phase when there are certain hormonal developments and changes which are managed by the endocrine and nervous system of the body. The neurotransmitters in the body help the brain to form, translate, store and recall the thoughts. Two of the important neurotransmitters which are responsible for this function are dopamine and acetylcholine (responsible for controlling memory, attention, reasoning, perception and judgment). Any fluctuations in their levels can alter the brain function. ADHD symptoms in teens attribute to low levels of these neurotransmitters. Such chemical imbalances can be caused due to the above mentioned causes related to anxiety and depression. ADHD symptoms in children can leave a deep scar in the psychology of the child, if not identified on time.
ADHD Treatment is a mix of both medical and psychological treatment. ADHD medications like Methylphenidate, Dextroamphetamine-amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine) and non stimulant atomoxetine are used for treating ADHD symptoms in teenagers. They help in calming down the jittery nerves and enhance the neurotransmitter levels. Besides, teenagers are also advised to opt for ADHD treatment options that include psychotherapy, behavioral therapy and social skills training which pep up their confidence and socializing ability.
Teenage is a time, when many pressures like peer pressure, parental pressure and academic pressure strike the teen at the same time. And if the above ADHD symptoms in teenagers are ignored, it may lead to a severe emotional disturbance in the teen, resulting in unwelcome situations like traffic accidents, teen pregnancies and obsessive compulsive disorders. Parents need to understand these symptoms and should take the help of academic and psychological counseling for their children to help them overcome this roller coaster phase of their life.
Symptoms of ADHD in Teenagers
Teenage is a trying time not only for the teen, but for the family too. And if the teen is suffering from ADHD symptoms, it can get worse. Because diagnosing this condition is not easy, as many of the symptoms exhibited in this condition are ambiguous with the normal teen behavior of hyperactivity, irritability and impulsiveness. And in some cases, symptoms of ADHD in teenagers also coexist with anxiety disorders and mood swings, which makes it even more difficult to detect. Drug abuse can also mimic ADHD symptoms in teenagers. The symptoms of ADHD are classified across three categories of the disorder
* Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
* Predominantly inattentive
* Combined Hyperactive-Impulsive and inattentive
Of the above, the third one is most common in children and toddlers and the rest are common in teens and adults. Below are some prominent ADHD symptoms in teenagers.
* Lack of concentration and extremely restless (Predominantly inattentive)
* Easily distracted (Predominantly inattentive)
* Insomnia (Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive)
* Difficulty in following instructions and organizing tasks (Predominantly inattentive)
* Jumping from one task to another without finishing the first (Predominantly inattentive)
* High levels of impulsiveness and aggression(Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive)
* Incessant talking and interrupting conversation (Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive)
* Poor listening (Predominantly inattentive)
* Taking unwanted risks without assessing the consequences (Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive)
* Extremely forgetful in daily activities (Predominantly inattentive)
* Avoiding tasks and activities like homework (Predominantly inattentive)
* Constant fidgeting with feet or hands (Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive)
ADHD Symptoms in teenagers are not attributed to any particular race or socioeconomic background. Causes of ADHD are mostly factored by conditions like emotional trauma (like death or divorce), anxiety, smoking, drug abuse during pregnancy, grave effects of environmental toxins and heredity.
Teenage is a phase when there are certain hormonal developments and changes which are managed by the endocrine and nervous system of the body. The neurotransmitters in the body help the brain to form, translate, store and recall the thoughts. Two of the important neurotransmitters which are responsible for this function are dopamine and acetylcholine (responsible for controlling memory, attention, reasoning, perception and judgment). Any fluctuations in their levels can alter the brain function. ADHD symptoms in teens attribute to low levels of these neurotransmitters. Such chemical imbalances can be caused due to the above mentioned causes related to anxiety and depression. ADHD symptoms in children can leave a deep scar in the psychology of the child, if not identified on time.
ADHD Treatment is a mix of both medical and psychological treatment. ADHD medications like Methylphenidate, Dextroamphetamine-amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine) and non stimulant atomoxetine are used for treating ADHD symptoms in teenagers. They help in calming down the jittery nerves and enhance the neurotransmitter levels. Besides, teenagers are also advised to opt for ADHD treatment options that include psychotherapy, behavioral therapy and social skills training which pep up their confidence and socializing ability.
Teenage is a time, when many pressures like peer pressure, parental pressure and academic pressure strike the teen at the same time. And if the above ADHD symptoms in teenagers are ignored, it may lead to a severe emotional disturbance in the teen, resulting in unwelcome situations like traffic accidents, teen pregnancies and obsessive compulsive disorders. Parents need to understand these symptoms and should take the help of academic and psychological counseling for their children to help them overcome this roller coaster phase of their life.
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