Understanding ADHD During the Teen Years: ADHD Awareness Month
October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time to shed light on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and raise awareness about this often misunderstood condition. Whether you or someone you know is affected by ADHD, it’s important to recognize the impact it has on daily life — particularly for adolescents, who are at a critical point in their development — and understand the challenges that come with it.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people of all ages, making it difficult for those diagnosed to focus, control impulses, and manage energy levels. Along with depression, anxiety, and body image or eating disorders, ADHD is one of the most common mental health conditions in adolescents, though it often continues into adulthood. Individuals with ADHD may experience difficulties at school, at work, and in personal relationships due to their symptoms.
What Causes ADHD?
The exact cause of ADHD remains unclear, but researchers believe it results from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Genetics play a significant role, as ADHD tends to run in families.
Environmental factors such as exposure to lead during childhood, prenatal exposure to tobacco or alcohol, and premature birth have also been linked to an increased risk of developing ADHD. Neurologically, differences in brain structure and function — particularly in areas responsible for attention and impulse control — are believed to contribute to the disorder.
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms are generally grouped into the two categories of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Symptoms of inattention include:
- Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play
- Frequent careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
- Trouble organizing tasks and activities
- Easy distraction by extraneous stimuli
Hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms include:
- Fidgeting or squirming in seat
- Inability to stay seated in situations where it’s expected
- Excessive talking or interrupting others
- Difficulty waiting for a turn
It’s important to note that not everyone with ADHD experiences all symptoms, and the severity can vary. If you suspect you or someone you know may have ADHD, consulting a health care professional is crucial for proper diagnosis and management. By increasing our understanding of ADHD, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
Support Teens Experiencing ADHD With ReGroup Foundation
ReGroup Foundation is a nonprofit that helps preteens and teens as well as their families anonymously share and benefit from mental health success stories. Too often, the best resources and practices in teen mental health care remain under the radar.
We want all families to benefit from the triumphs of those who have “been there, done that” where ADHD and other mental health issues are concerned. We make this possible by collecting family reviews of local mental health caregivers and facilities as well as personal strategies to help teens recover from wellness challenges. In only 15 minutes, you can begin making a world of difference in the lives of other teens and their families — just by anonymously sharing your successes. Register today, and start sharing your reviews and mental health insights.