Attention Deficit And Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is separated into three types.  One where people have difficulty concentrating but have no hyperactivity, called the inattentive type.  One where there is a primary hyperactivity problem, called the hyperactive type.  And one, called the combined type, that has inattentive as well as hyperactive properties. 

Contrary to what some people think ADHD is not associated with low intelligence.  One of the distinguishing characteristics of the inattentive type of ADHD is that children have difficulty concentrating even on things that they are interested in.  If a teenager can concentrate for hours on a task he finds enjoyable then an ADHD diagnosis is probably not appropriate, even if he has trouble concentrating in school.  In these cases the problem probably lies elsewhere.

Hyperactive teenagers have difficulty staying in their seats, not running, not climbing on things, or not taking dangerous risks involving the possibility for injury or death, for example extreme skate boarding stunts.  They can also have trouble waiting their turn or interrupting people while they are talking.  For these reasons they can have trouble making friends.  They have difficulty controlling themselves in social situations and may be perceived as annoying. 

Parents may find these teenagers particularly difficult to deal with because they require strict structure and a lot of supervision.  Thankfully, most teenagers eventually out grow these symptoms.  If they do not they could experience problems concentrating and with hyperactivity well into adulthood.

If your teenager is struggling with ADHD please go to the Free Sessions Page to request a free consultation.

By Miguel Brown