How to Treat ADHD in Teens

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is challenging for anyone who struggles with it, but teens with ADHD experience particular difficulties. Hormones, increased pressure and expectations at school, planning for life beyond high school, driving, dating--all of these normal elements of an adolescent's life are especially trying for teens with ADHD. Treatment for ADHD in teens must be tailored to respond to the distinct challenges of adolescence.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Observe your child for symptoms of ADHD, which can include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Learn more about symptoms at LDOnline.org (see Resources).

2. Evaluate the teen for ADHD by seeking the services of a professional trained in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD. The professional might be a child psychiatrist, child psychologist or pediatrician.

3. Find a mental health professional to work with the teen. This individual may recommend medication and behavior therapy.

4. Discuss medication with the teen's doctor. Medication is often the first choice of treatment for ADHD, and in fact the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of stimulants as one of its clinical guideline for treating this disorder.

5. Request a 504 plan at the teen's school. A 504 plan can provide accommodations for a disabled student under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ask the school for ADHD accommodations such as extended time on tests and test administration in a quiet room, to reduce distractions.

6. Help the teen with organizational skills. For organizing schoolwork, make sure the teen has a planner for keeping track of assignments. Ask his guidance counselor to help with learning how to organize a backpack or locker.

7. Encourage the teen's independence, but while she is still living at home, stay in control of her schedule and day-to-day structure.

8. Keep a positive attitude. Living with an ADHD teen can be challenging, but maintaining a positive outlook on the teen's strengths and skills will help.

Tips & Warnings

• Homework can be a challenge for teens with ADHD, as potential distractions in the home can include television, computers, music, the phone, pets and family. For teens with ADHD, a structured environment for homework is best.
• Girls with ADHD are often overlooked, as their symptoms tend less towards hyperactivity and more towards inattention. The book "Understanding Girls With AD/HD" by Kathleen Nadeau, Ellen Littman and Patricia Quinn can help.
• Teens with ADHD have more accidents and more traffic violations than teens without ADHD.
• When ADHD teens go off to college, the lack of structure in their days and nights can be difficult.
• Teens who are on medication for their ADHD should be taught to be careful about dosage, as overdosing on these stimulant-type drugs can cause long-term health problems. These drugs can also become addictive if not used correctly.

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Resources

• Advice for teens with ADHD and their parents
• ADHD Basics
• Teenhealth: ADHD