Telephone : 
ADHD
Introduction Of ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that can cause unusual levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. During teen years, especially as the hormonal changes of adolescence are going on and the demands of school and extracurricular activities are increasing, ADHD symptoms may get worse.
Symptoms
Keep a look out for some of the following signs in your teenager.
Lack of focus, distractibility – trouble staying on task, poor concentration leading to procrastination
Self-focused behavior – difficult to recognize what other people want or need, trouble compromising with others
Fidgeting – Restlessness, difficult to sit still without squirming or getting up, daydreaming.
Heightened emotionality – people with ADHD may not reach the emotional maturity of a typical 21-year-old until their late 20s or early 30s. angry outbursts and overly dramatic scenes may play out in inappropriate circumstances.
Fear of rejection – High emotions can be triggered by rejection, teasing, or criticism.
Impulsivity – resisting temptation may be particularly difficult, potentially leading to dangerous decisions.
Difficulty following a conversation – appearing not to listen, even when someone is speaking directly to them, interrupting, talking too much, leaving mid-conversation, butting into others’ conversations
Trouble working quietly – Quiet activities are generally not easy, may find it difficult to sit and read or work on a project by themselves.
Hyperactivity – Always “on the go” – Teens tend to have fewer hyperactive symptoms than younger children with ADHD. But some are a flurry of activity.
Trouble reading social cues – may not realize it when they’ve interrupted or annoyed someone
Difficulty following directions and disorganization – Lack of focus, restlessness, and mind-wandering can make detailed instructions nearly impossible to follow.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires more than the key symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.
Not only do children need to have 6 or more symptoms (5 or more for adults) for at least 6 months, they also need to:
- have some symptoms before the age of 12
- show symptoms in at least two different settings, including at school, home, work, with friends, or during other activities
- have symptoms severe enough to interfere with function at school, work, or in social situations and affect quality of life
Next Steps and Intervention
There are many opinions when it comes to treating ADHD in teens. Some experts believe that behavior therapy alone may work for teenagers. But according to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 80% of those who needed medication for ADHD as children still need medication in their teen years.
Usually, a combination of medication and behavior therapy is best in helping teens with ADHD navigate the world. At Skooc, behavioral therapy may include
- Teaching teen and their parents learn how to cope with emotions
- Social Skills training
- Problem solving
- Organizational skills
Developmental Assesments, Therapy and Counselling Sessions at Narayana Clinic, Sarjapura Road, Bengaluru.
