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Ask the program representative about their experience and treatment philosophies, if you do not agree you may not want to go any further with them. If you cannot support the programs ideas you, your child and the program will be in for long, frustrating process without the desired outcome.

ADHD Teen. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Teenagers

The adolescent/teenager with ADHD often wants to be a good student, The impulsive behavior and difficulty paying attention in class frequently interferes and causes problems. Teachers, parents, and friends know that the adolescent is displaying "Bad behavior" or "different" but they may not be able to tell exactly what is wrong. One possibility for this behavior is called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

All adolescents may show inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, or hyperactivity at times, but the adolescent with ADHD shows these symptoms and behaviors more frequently and severely than other adolescents/teenager of the same age. ADHD is found in at least one in every 20 adolescents/teenagers, it begins before the age of seven and can continue into adulthood. ADHD runs in families with about 25% of biological parents also having this disorder.

A adolescent/teenager with ADHD often shows these signs

  • Easily distracted
  • Impatience
  • Blurts out answers
  • Fidgets or squirms
  • Trouble paying attention
  • Seems "on the go"
  • Inattention to details and makes careless mistakes
  • Trouble Listening
  • Loses school supplies, forgets to turn in homework
  • Interrupts or intrudes on others
  • Impatience
  • Hard to follow direction

Adolescent/teenager presenting with ADHD symptoms must have a comprehensive evaluation. A adolescent/teenager with ADHD may have other psychiatric disorders such as conduct disorder, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, or manic-depressive disorder. Without proper treatment, the adolescent/teenager may fall behind in schoolwork, and friendships may suffer. The adolescent/teenager experiences more failure than success and is criticized by teachers and family who do not recognize a health problem.

Medication such as methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, and pemoline can improve attention, focus, goal directed behavior, and organizational skills. Other medications such as guanfacine, clonidine, and some antidepressants may also be helpful. A child who is diagnosed with ADHD and treated appropriately can have a productive and successful life. If a child shows symptoms and behaviors like those of ADHD, parents please fill out our information request form and we will guide in the right place to get the proper help. (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry)