How Does ADHD Manifest In Teens?
Most of us tend to think of ADHD as a childhood condition. While it’s often diagnosed in childhood, ADHD doesn’t go away when you’re a teenager. However, the symptoms might start to shift a bit.
Whether your teen has already been diagnosed with ADHD or not, understanding how the symptoms might manifest themselves can help you provide support and encourage the right kind of treatment.
Keep in mind that it’s unlikely that your teen will exhibit all of the symptoms of ADHD. But, understanding what they’re going through will make you a better source of support.
So, how does ADHD manifest in teens?
Difficulty Focusing
One of the most common and obvious symptoms associated with ADHD in teens is a lack of focus. They might have trouble paying attention in school or finishing a project. Even if they can stay on task for a while, it’s very easy for them to become distracted, so they turn their attention to something else.
Obviously, this can create issues with their grades, any after-school job they might have, or even their personal life. A lack of focus can lead to a lot of mistakes and overlooked issues that could jeopardize their future.
Restlessness and Fidgeting
It’s not necessarily uncommon for teens to be a bit restless. They might have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time. But, it’s also something they should be able to control.
Teens with ADHD might really struggle with fidgeting. They might not be able to sit still for long periods of time, which can disturb the learning process while they’re in school.
Allowing your ADHD teen to take breaks, stand up and stretch, or even use a fidget “toy” can help them stay focused.
Strong Emotions and Fear
Navigating the teenage years can be difficult. Teens are dealing with hormonal changes, educational expectations, peer pressure, and simply trying to manage friendships while thinking about the future.
For a teen with ADHD, emotions can run high. Research has shown that someone with ADHD might not experience emotional maturity until they’re in their late 20s. That can make it more difficult for your teen to deal with the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with this stage of life.
They might have frequent outbursts of anger or frustration. They might feel incredibly sad for seemingly no reason. It also might not be uncommon for them to exaggerate a situation in their own mind, making it a bigger deal than it really is.
Teens with ADHD can deal with a lot of fear, too. They often have a heightened fear of rejection, due to their differences. With common struggles like difficulty reading social cues and having self-focused behaviors, it can sometimes be difficult for teens with ADHD to foster strong friendships. As such, they can develop social anxiety or even depression.
Impulsive Behaviors
The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that helps us problem-solve and think through the potential consequences of a decision. It’s an area that isn’t fully formed until after your teenage years. So, it should come as no surprise that teens can sometimes seem impulsive, or that they say things out loud before really thinking it through.
For teens with ADHD, impulsive behaviors are often an even bigger problem. When they’re presented with an idea or temptation, it can be much harder for them to ignore it. Of course, certain impulsive behaviors can be dangerous or harmful, putting your teen at risk.
If any of these manifestations sound familiar, the best thing you can do is support your teen personally and emotionally. If they’re not already working with a mental health specialist, consider reaching out to one today for teen counseling. A combination of therapy and medication can often be the best way to manage ADHD, and will help your teen feel more in control of their thoughts and behaviors as they enter young adulthood.
