Sometimes everyone has difficulty paying attention, sitting still, or controlling impulsive behavior. For some teenagers, the problem can be so persistent that it can interfere with schoolwork, being able to make and keep friends, and can cause substantial problems with family members in the home.

    Parenting does not cause ADHD; however ADHD can clearly result in family problems, which can contribute to parenting problems that make the teen’s behaviors worse rather than better. Researchers once thought that children with ADHD simply “grew out of it” after adolescence.

We now know differently. Current estimates are that at least two to five percent of the adult population suffers from ADHD. About 50 to 60 percent of children with ADHD will continue to experience symptoms well into adulthood. For many, what does seem to go away is the hyperactive and impulsive part of the disorder. Some researchers believe that adults simply learn to cope with and adapt to their impulsive urges. However, the problems with inattention, focus, concentration, and distractibility often do not go away. In fact, these problems can often cause significant distress in adults who see themselves as having negative personal characteristics (Davis, 38).

    ADHD is a real disorder that causes real problems, both for the person with the disorder as well as the people who interact with that person. ADHD is most probably caused by abnormalities in brain chemistry and structure. There is a popular notion that ADHD is over-diagnosed and is a rationalization for controlling children and teenagers with bad or excessive behavior through medication.

 

    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is often characterized by looking at the inappropriate levels of inattention, in children and teens with outrageous impulsivities and hyperactivity. Although individuals with this disorder can be very successful in life; without identification and proper treatment, ADHD may have very serious consequences. These consequences may include: failure at school, family stress, disruptions in relationships, and severe depression.

    It is now known that ADHD nearly always persists from early childhood through adolescence and that many of the symptoms continue through adulthood. There is current research that reflects rates as high as two to four percent of adults who still suffer from ADHD and are prescribed medication.

    Typical ADHD symptoms are as follows:
    1. Fails to pay close attention to details
    2. Cannot sit still
    3. Has a hard time listening and following directions
    4. Avoids tasks that need mental efforts
    5. Can’t keep track of things
    6. Is easily distracted
    7. Forgets daily activities

 

   Remember that individuals, especially young children may exhibit these ADHD symptoms, but may not be predominantly ADHD diagnosed. The first thing to do is to seek professional help. Many of the symptoms described above are typical five to eight year old behaviors. These symptoms may just represent a very active child. It is when the child’s behaviors begin to be affected in negative ways that there could be a problem that needs to be addressed. 

 

 

 

Davis, Daniel L., PhD. Your Angry Child – A Guide for Parents. New York: The     Haworth Press,            2004.