What it is: A teenager with ADHD has problems paying attention and concentrating, and/or with hyperactive and impulsive behavior. Sufferers often act before thinking, commonly causing problems with their peers, parents, and teachers. It is most common in boys, and is usually diagnosed first during the elementary school years. Its symptoms frequently become less severe in late teen and young adult years. There are four types of ADHD--inattentive, hyperactive, combined, and not otherwise specified (including some characteristics, but not enough for a full diagnosis).
Symptoms: (inattentive type)
failure to pay attention to details
distraction or difficulty sustaining attention
appearing not to listen
struggling to follow instructions
difficulty keeping organized
avoidance of sustained mental effort
frequent loss of necessary items
forgetfulness in daily activities
Symptoms: (hyperactive/impulsive type)
fidgeting or squirming
difficulty staying seated
excessive running or climbing, or feelings of restlessness in adults
acting as though driven by a motor
excessive talking
not waiting for a question to be finished before blurting out an answer
difficulty waiting turns
frequent interruption of others
Treatment: A combination of parent training, behavior management strategies, individual and family counseling, and sometimes medicine is required to treat ADHD effectively. Psychostimulants or stimulants are the medicines most frequently used, and are effective in approximately 70-80% of those treated.
