Helping a Teen with ADHD

By Dr. Arastou Aminzadeh, Founder, BNI Treatment Centers

The teen years are challenging enough as it is, so imagine how much harder it must be for a teen with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to navigate this phase of life. Parents often feel helpless watching their teen struggle with the disorder. There are, however, some useful tips parents can access to support their teen with ADHD.

About Teen ADHD

ADHD is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder that is more prevalent in males. The neurodiverse conditions in brain development and functioning cause impulsivity, difficulty paying attention, and hyperactivity.

Teens with ADHD were likely diagnosed as young children, but the symptoms change in the teen years. Also, as the child gets older, they become more aware of the effects of ADHD. Some teens are ostracized or bullied in school due to the challenges of the disorder.

Some of the possible factors that may have played a role in developing the ADHD include:

• Neurochemical dysfunction of the brain
• Premature birth
• Differences in certain brain regions have been identified when compared with individuals without ADHD
• Hereditary predisposition, or genetics. ADHD can run in families.
• Exposure to pesticides
• In utero exposure to alcohol and tobacco
• Exposure to environmental toxin

Children with ADHD often outgrow the condition. For many kids the symptoms will start to subside prior to the onset of adolescence. Other kids, however, may continue to battle the effects of ADHD into their teens, and even into their adult years.

Common symptoms of ADHD in teens can include:

• Restlessness
• Easily bored
• Get distracted easily
• Neglects assignments
• Underachiever doesn’t work to academic potential
• Forgetful
• Difficulty paying attention
• Fidgets
• Interrupts others impulsively
• Frequently forgets or loses things needed for assignments
• Difficulty organizing tasks or prioritizing
• Maybe disruptive in class
• Difficulty engaging in activities quietly or without being disruptive
• Avoids tasks that require sustained attention
• Emotional immaturity
• Has trouble following directions
• Become sexually active at an early age
• Engage in substance abuse

A trained mental health expert will evaluate the teen and determine if he or she is exhibiting six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. If these symptoms are present, a diagnosis of ADHD is arrived at.

How ADHD Affects Teens

Teens that have ADHD face certain hurdles, academically, socially, and psychologically. Academic performance is hindered by general academic underachievement. They may routinely miss deadlines for assignments or neglect to turn in their homework. This can result in a lower grade point average and hurt their prospects of going to college.

Teens with ADHD also struggle with maintaining healthy social relationships. These teens tend to have poorly developed social skills, often finding themselves rejected by their peers. They may have difficulty fitting in, which can result in social isolation.

Psychologically, 14% of teens with ADHD often present with co-occurring depression, and about 30%  struggle with anxiety, according to Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).

There are additional worries for parents of a teen with ADHD. Teens tend to be more impulsive and can be drawn toward high-risk behaviors. This can result in myriad consequences, such as:

• Becoming sexually active at an early age
• Experimenting with drugs or alcohol
• Getting a DUI or in an auto accident
• Incarceration
• Smoking
• Trouble keeping a job
• Suicidal thoughts

How Can Parents Help their ADHD Teen?

Parents play an outsized role in guiding their ADHD teen. In a way, the parent becomes a partner with them, helping provide the structure and support needed to navigate the teen years with this disorder. Some tips for parents include:

• Practice patience. As frustrating and exhausting as it might be to parent a teen with ADHD, it is important to remind yourself that the teen did not ask for this disorder. Remember that they are frustrated too. They often suffer ridicule socially and struggle to keep up at school. Try to remain compassionate and patient with your teen.
• Maintain structure. Teens with ADHD require structure, so create a daily schedule for them to follow, and consistently reinforce the schedule until it becomes a habit.
• Provide tools. Teens with ADHD may need some help with prioritizing their school assignments and staying on top of appointments. Parents can provide tangible organizational tools like planners and to-do lists and can help them download organizer apps on their smartphones.
• Offer praise. When the teen does comply with their schedule and completes their homework, praise them for it. These small accomplishments should be recognized and lauded. When parents take notice and offer some praise it helps build their confidence and self-esteem.
• Hire a tutor. Because the teen will likely struggle to keep up with schoolwork, having a tutor or study partner can help them stay on track.
• Create a contract. Teens with ADHD benefit from having concrete limits and directives articulated in writing, as this information helps them in their decision-making. Create a contract with the teen that clearly outlines expectations, such as household chores, curfews, bedtime, driving privileges, and maintaining a certain grade point average.
• Set appropriate boundaries. A teen with ADHD will tend toward impulsivity and can get into trouble. Help them understand that there are consequences for their actions. Create realistic boundaries and clearly articulate the consequences for breaching family rules and boundaries, and punishment must be consistent.
• Encourage healthy habits. Teens will function more optimally if they limit junk food, sweets, and fast food. Encourage nutritious meals, regular exercise or extracurricular sports, and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule.
• Be available. Teens with ADHD need to know they can come to you and vent their frustrations. Be sure to let them know you are always available to them, and that you are there for them.

Remember that your teen is heading away from childhood and toward adulthood. Resist using the same approach you did when they had childhood ADHD. A teen with ADHD will have different needs, and should also be treated as an adult in training, not as a child.

About the Author

Dr. Arastou Aminzadeh is a triple board certified physician in psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and addiction medicine, and is the co-founder of BNI Treatment Centers in Agoura Hills, California.  Dr. Aminzadeh is a fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and also a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.  A well-respected leader in the field, he also holds an adjunct faculty position at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, where he completed his residency and fellowship.