Parenting is already challenging, but parenting a teenager can be incredibly overwhelming. If you have a teen showing signs of ADHD, you may find yourself feeling an enormous amount of emotional distress. Fortunately, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder does not have to wreak havoc on your teen or your family's life. This guide will help you understand a few facts about ADHD in teens.

Signs Vary

One of the most surprising things you should know is that ADHD affects everyone differently, even though it is known to cause attention issues and hyperactivity. Here are a few of the most common signs of ADHD:

  • Unable to focus, easily distracted
  • Forgetful
  • Difficulty learning
  • Bored easily
  • Misplaces items
  • Constantly daydreaming
  • Continuously confused
  • Constantly fidgeting/moving
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Interrupting others
  • Impatient

Again, it is important to remember that your teen may not show all of the above signs, but doctors will usually diagnose your teen with ADHD if they are showing multiple signs.

Causes Unknown?

One myth many people believe is that ADHD is caused from TV and video games. Watching and playing an excessive amount of TV and video games is not necessarily healthy, but there is no proof that this behavior is linked to causing ADHD.

As a matter of fact, most experts believe the disorder is genetic, meaning your teen will have a higher risk of developing ADHD if other family members have it.

If your teen has been diagnosed, consider limiting the amount of time they spend on the TV/video games because it can affect their ability to focus on other tasks.

Medication Can Help

Many teens are first diagnosed with the disorder when they are younger, since the signs of ADHD are easily noticed in elementary school. In younger children, medication is often prescribed to manage the symptoms of ADHD. Over time as your child grows into their teen years, these medications may not be as effective, so adjustments will need to be made.

Whether your teen was recently diagnosed or diagnosed as a child, medication can still be effective, but it should be used in addition to other forms of treatment.

Behavioral therapy and counseling that involves you, your teen, and the rest of the family can be beneficial for your teen. Therapy will help your child learn coping mechanisms to ensure their behavior does not affect their ability to learn, work, and live a normal lifestyle. In addition, the therapy can help you cope with your teen's behavior when and if necessary to prevent it from damaging relationships in your family or household.

ADHD treatments can vary depending on many factors. Reach out to a local medical office for help with counseling, medication, and support.

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