Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Teens who have ADHD can have a difficult time controlling their behavior and/or paying attention. Between 3 and 5 percent of children have ADHD. That means about 2 million children in the United States have ADHD.xxi While this disorder has usually been associated with children, people of all ages can have ADHD.
A number of treatments exist for ADHD, and they are effective for many people. Getting help for children with ADHD can result in improved functioning in school, at home, and with friends.
There are three main types of ADHD:
xxii a) the hyperactive-impulsive type; b) the inattentive type; and c) the combined type.
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
Most children who have ADHD suffer from this type. These children always seem “on the go.” They dash around, constantly touching things, or talking non-stop. Hyperactive teenagers may feel restless. They will sometimes try to do several things at once to stay busy.
Signs of hyperactive behavior includexxiii:
- Fidgeting excessively
- Difficult staying seated
- Running or climbing inappropriately
- Talking excessively
- Difficulty playing quietly
- Always seeming “on the go”
- Blurting out answers or frequently interrupting
- Having trouble waiting his or her turn
- Interrupting or intruding on others
Inattention
Children who are inattentive have a hard time keeping their minds on any one thing and may get bored quickly. While these children can selectively focus on a task that they find interesting, tasks that need consistent focus and organization are tough for them to finish. Learning something new can be especially challenging. Homework is usually a struggle for these kids. They forget assignments, bring home the wrong book, or will simply turn in the work full of mistakes.
Signs of inattentive behavior include:
- Trouble following instructions
- Trouble focusing on tasks
- Losing things
- Forgetting things often
- Being easily distracted or having trouble listening
- Lacking attention to detail, making careless mistakes or being disorganized
- Failing to complete homework of tasks.
Combined
Youth with combined type ADHD will have characteristics of both hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattentive type ADHD.
Some of the behaviors that are found in children with ADHD are also found in children who do not have ADHD. Many children who have some signs of ADHD do not qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. Only a health care provider can correctly diagnose ADHD.
For more information about ADHD see the following fact sheet from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
English
http://www.systemsofcare.samhsa.gov/newinformation/docs/FactSheetADHD.pdf
Spanish
http://www.systemsofcare.samhsa.gov/newinformation/docs/Span_ADHD_7-20-06.pdf
If you think that your child might have ADHD, talk to a health care provider like a nurse or doctor, the counselor at your child’s school, or a mental health professional.
This web site describes some of the common mental health problems that affect teens, including:
Last revised: March 27, 2009
