Of the 11% of American children between 4-17 who are diagnosed with the disorder of hyperactivity and attention (ADHD) over 70% are prescribed medications to treat the symptoms. Many people view ADHD as a similar condition to that of children. However, over 60 percent of children with the disorder endure difficulties and signs throughout their teens and into adulthood.
We were sure of the decision we took to put our toddler on ADHD medication. However, as he began to enter the adolescent age, and when his symptoms and the potential risk factors were different and we rethought if we should maintain the medication. We found out what we learned.
What are ADHD symptoms among teens have to do with appearance?
The obvious hyperactivity commonly linked with ADHD tends to decrease as children grow older, and it can appear that the disorder is becoming less severe. As they get older, academic pressures and social expectations increase. This can be especially difficult to manage for teenagers with ADHD who have trouble recognizing invisible symptoms, like executive functioning and working memory problems. Child Mind Institute Child Mind Institute outlines the most important areas where teens suffering from ADHD generally struggle.
Academics
Teens suffering from ADHD generally have difficulty organizing their schedules and keeping focused in class or during homework. This could have a negative effect on the performance of their students and how they perform academically.
Peer relationships
Making and keeping friends is difficult for teenagers with ADHD. They may not be aware of social signals and may behave in impulsive ways or struggle with appropriate communication. They are at risk of being victimized or harassed by other people.
Emotional functioning
An inability to regulate emotions can make the normal mood swings among adolescents more noticeable in teens with ADHD. They may be very frustrated and have trouble managing their emotions.
Risky behavior
Teens suffering from ADHD tend to engage in risky behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, or other alcohol or substances, and engaging in sexual sexual sex (particularly sexually hazardous). This behavior typically begins prior to their peers who have neurotypical.
Driving
A tendency to become hyper-active and distracted teens with ADHD to risk getting charged for accidents and traffic with a attention paid to serious accidents.
What are the strategies for managing ADHD for teenagers?
A well-planned treatment program can lower the risks and make a difficult process less daunting for teens and teens who are suffering from ADHD. The decision to begin my son at seven years older, on medication after the receipt of his ADHD diagnosis was not an easy one. We’d done the necessary studies and were aware of the benefits of ADHD medication as well as the dangers that may be related to it.
We had a lengthy conversation with his pediatrician, and we determined that it was the right option without a doubt. In a matter of days, we saw positive changes, and after several months we discovered the proper dosage of Concerta. He was having more success at school and, more importantly the fact that he felt much more relaxed. This story about his experiences isn’t unique.
Medication
The most effective and effective method of treating ADHD during the adolescent years. “There are several (medications),” doctor. Joseph Shrand, Lecturer in Psychology at Harvard Medical School and founder of the Drug Story Theater, “but there are two main types of stimulants that are Methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin and others) .).) together amphetamine derivatives (Adderall, Vyvanse, etc. ).” These drugs can aid in calming teenagers suffering from ADHD however, they may also cause effects that are similar to the “revving up” effect on people who don’t struggle with ADHD. Dr. Shrand states that there are a variety of other drugs which could aid in the treatment of ADHD such as the ones that boost Dexedrine, and the mild stimulant Strattera.
Exercise
“Regular exercise is the most effective non-medicinal treatment for ADHD,” says Tia Cantrell Therapist and ADHD specialist within North Carolina. “Most people will still need medication intervention but exercise can drastically improve the ‘gaps’ in medication effectiveness,” for example between doses, or when your child’s first awakening.
Sleep
Cantrell emphasizes the necessity of having a decent night’s sleep to help manage the symptoms for teens with ADHD. “While a good night’s rest won’t cure your ADHD symptoms, it will help your other ADHD strategies be more effective.”
Checking for intolerances to specific foods
Gluten intolerance that isn’t controlled or diagnosed as celiac disease can result in ADHD symptoms. The research studies aren’t conclusive enough to prove a connection between following a Gluten-free diet and ADHD treatment, however, “…children and teens who’s ADHD symptoms improved following the gluten-free diet were found have celiac diseases which was not recognized or gluten intolerance that’s non-celiac.” This isn’t a viable treatment by itself, but it’s something to discuss with your child’s doctor.
What are the benefits in ADHD treatment for teens?
“Kids who are appropriately treated will face no more or less challenges than any teen faces,” Dr. Shrand said. “But kids who are not treated appropriately are at higher risk for substance use, dropping out of school, and feeling constantly inadequate.”
Cantrell states: “Many of the risks can be reduced if teens are treated properly for ADHD. It is less probable be involved in an accident that is serious and are less likely to get addicted to any substance in any form; and are less likely to harm themselves or commit suicide. They are also less likely to end up in prison later.”
Cantrell and the Dr. Shrand recommend keeping teens on medication if they’re experiencing difficulties in overcoming ADHD symptoms. Dr. Shrand does not consider taking ADHD medication as an issue that poses risky consequences. If teens are looking to find out whether they’re able to cope without medication, he suggests taking regular breaks in their medication especially during the school holidays. The body gets free of stimulants fast so it shouldn’t take long to figure out how teenagers feel when they are off their medication, and how they feel at all.
Dr. Shrand recommends that patients keep taking the medication until they reach the age of adulthood if it’s helping. “I have had adult patients who should have been treated as kids, but never were, start on medication and change their lives around.” Cantrell was personally affected by this incident.
We believe that the benefits associated with ADHD medication are more than the potential risk. We’ve decided to keep our son’s treatment with the medication for as long as that he needs it, or until he is old enough to make a different option. We are delighted to combat the stigma of the use of medication.
“Medicating (children with ADHD) gives them the level playing field they need to live up to their potential,” says Cantrell who says that comparing ADHD treatment to giving the child a bag with which the child can store his spilling marbles.
The Dr. Shrand says that Dr. Shrand compares ADHD medication with mountain climbing equipment. “I would ask a child this: If you’ve got an obstacle to climb and you are going to tackle it with shoes? What will happen if you try? For climbing your mountains, you require the proper equipment. It doesn’t matter what equipment they require.”
We explained to our son that to those suffering from ADHD the use of ADHD medication is like wearing glasses. Some people need these medications to make their world easier to comprehend. We’re grateful for the help that is easily accessible.
