ADHD Treatment for Teenagers and Young Adults
If you’re looking for specialized ADHD treatment for teenagers and/or young adults, Paradigm is here for you.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), formerly referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD), can cause serious issues for teens and young adults at school and work, as well as problems in relationships with family members, friends, and authority figures. And while routine treatment options do exist, some young people need the structured support of a more intensive mental health program.
The medical professionals at Paradigm Treatment Centers in California and Texas are well-versed in teen ADD treatment and the various ways ADD/ADHD can present in adolescents and young adults. Learn more about ADHD in teens and young adults below, and contact us for information on our mental health services and support programs.
WHAT DOES ADHD IN TEENS LOOK LIKE?
ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder among children and can have a lasting impact on adolescence and young adulthood. Notable signs of ADHD in teens include:
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
- Inability to focus
In some cases, you may see ADHD without hyperactivity or impulsive behaviors referred to simply as ADD, though the term is considered outdated in the medical community. This mental health disorder can also manifest as a learning disability since it makes it difficult to absorb and retain information.
Like any disorder, ADHD manifests differently in different people. Psychiatrists use a set of behaviors and symptoms to determine if a young individual is on the spectrum for ADHD and would benefit from teen ADD treatment. For example: Restlessness
- Disorganization
- Careless mistakes
- Poor concentration
- Poor school performance
- Difficulty following instructions
- Forgetfulness
ADHD in teens may also present with low self-esteem, a lack of social skills, and mood swings.
It’s normal for teens to show a lack of interest in things that genuinely don’t interest them or to be occasionally aloof or absent-minded. If these sorts of behaviors are present all the time, however, and they interfere with your child’s day-to-day life and responsibilities, it may be worth seeking out a program that specializes in ADHD treatment for teenagers and young adults.
WHAT CAUSES ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER IN TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS?
There is no explicit cause for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, researchers have identified several markers and risk factors that potentially point to how and why ADHD develops in teens. Common factors include:
Family history – Like other mental disorders, ADHD has a strong genetic component and is more likely to show up in individuals with a family history of the condition. We still have a lot to learn about the genetics of ADHD, but family history is assumed to play quite a significant role.
Brain chemistry—Some experts suggest that ADHD stems from differences in the way certain brain chemicals are released and processed. These chemicals, called neurotransmitters, are essential in facilitating communication between brain cells and initiating and managing every function in the body and mind. The particular neurotransmitters that might function differently in teens with ADHD are dopamine and norepinephrine.
Brain structure – Imaging technology shows that adolescents and young adults with ADHD sometimes have brains that don’t “fire up” the same way other brains do, particularly in areas of the prefrontal cortex. This complex part of the brain contains several subsections and manages cognitive abilities like impulse control and thoughtfulness.
Neurological dysfunction – ADHD can also present as a symptom of neurological dysfunction, in particular, dysfunction in one’s ability to focus, especially under pressure. Because of this, teens with ADHD may perform better when relaxed than when confronted with stress.
How Can I Help My Teen with ADD?
Knowing how to help teens with ADHD symptoms can be difficult for parents. Here are some tips that may help you when it comes to addressing your child’s struggles.
People with ADHD have the potential to succeed in life, but they need to learn to manage their emotions in such a way that the symptoms of their disorder don’t negatively impact their lives.
Because teens and young adults with ADHD may struggle to perform well under pressure, it’s best to give your child a relaxing, stimulating, and positive environment in which to grow. Guide them through subjects that genuinely interest them by harnessing and improving upon their enthusiasm, and teach them how to manage emotions when dealing with things they find uninteresting or stressful.
No child is perfect, and teens, in particular, are skilled at giving even the most reasonable parents some significant headaches from time to time. But it’s important to remember that your teen has many strengths, and you need to remind yourself and them of those positives.
Some parents live by the idea that “pouring honey” in a teen’s ears is ineffective at best and dangerous at worst, but praise isn’t always a bad thing. Discipline and upholding rules are essential, but so is highlighting when they do well.
Teens and young adults spend a lot of time trying to figure out who they are, what image they want to present, how to fit in with others, and how to exist in various social environments.
Unfortunately, teens who struggle to communicate well have a more challenging time feeling a sense of belonging in groups, which can create feelings of isolation during these formative years. Help your teen learn to communicate more effectively by teaching them to develop self-awareness during conversations—for example, to notice when they are interrupting others and to practice active listening instead. These skills can help your teen cope with their challenges and develop meaningful relationships with others.
ADHD TREATMENT FOR TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS: WHAT’S AVAILABLE?
Because ADHD so often exists as a co-occurring disorder with other conditions, such as a form of anxiety or a mood disorder, we provide thorough testing to diagnose the issue accurately. When an ADHD diagnosis is made, , the most successful teen ADHD treatment tends to be a combination of medication and therapy, including behavioral therapy.
While it is true that ADHD is usually a neurological disorder and that medication is usually the best way to combat the symptoms, medication alone isn’t always likely to help your teen cope with their experiences and figure out a way to thrive socially and professionally. The future is daunting to most teens, and it’s especially scary to someone who is struggling with a mental disorder. ADHD can make it difficult to survive out there, even with medication – but the guidance and help of an experienced therapist can make a world of difference.
Talk therapy helps your teen better understand how to navigate the world while coping with the problems and limitations of ADHD. It uses techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist your teen in leading a normal life, nurturing healthy relationships, and starting along a career path.
Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines are the most common forms of medication for treating ADHD in teens. These prescription drugs activate areas of the brain that support focus and attention and can be incredibly effective at combating ADHD symptoms.
Do keep in mind that treatment options work differently for different people, and some teens experience side effects from certain medications and/or find more relief from one medication than another.
While it’s true that stimulant medications are considered dangerous due to the abuse potential, teens who undergo ADHD treatment with stimulants tend to experience less substance abuse than those who don’t get any treatment. Dosages used to treat ADHD are usually low, and most abuse is linked to teens and adults buying illegally distributed prescription stimulants as a way to cope with stress, perform better at work or academically, or for recreational purposes.
Stress can be a significant issue for teens with ADHD, causing them to perform worse and struggle even more than they already do with certain tasks and situations. Teaching your teen how to deal with stressful situations is crucial to helping them develop the necessary toolset to tackle academic challenges, workplace responsibilities, and other tasks.
To start, try out a number of stress management techniques and therapies, from yoga and meditation to sports, music, and art. Finding the best way to calm down and focus in times of stress is important for teens with ADHD, and there are plenty of healthy stress management options out there for them to try.
THE ADHD PROGRAM AT PARADIGM TREATMENT
We understand that the teenage years can be challenging and that having access to support and guidance can make all the difference in future health and happiness, especially for young people facing mental health concerns.
For teens dealing with ADHD, it’s crucial to help them recognize behaviors and thoughts that may be inappropriate or inaccurate. This is particularly important for those struggling not only with ADHD symptoms but also with concurrent disorders such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). At Paradigm Treatment, we emphasize giving teens 12-17 concrete tasks of varying difficulty, which aids them in adjusting to responsibilities and managing stress while their disorder is being treated.
For young adults, we recognize that transitioning into adulthood brings its own set of challenges, especially for those with ADHD. Our program focuses on helping young adults ages 18-26 develop skills for independent living and personal and professional success.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY FOR TEEN AND YOUNG ADULT ADHD
Therapists at Paradigm Treatment help teens become more aware of themselves and their behaviors. In turn, our young residents learn to speak and act with more self-control. These skills are put to the test through regular individual therapy and group therapy sessions, with the end goal of preventing ADHD symptoms from having significant adverse effects on social relationships and interactions.
Creating a positive environment helps our young residents relax and better absorb information. It’s hard for teens with ADHD to focus under pressure, so feeling calm and happy is essential as they learn to be more engaged in any given conversation or topic. We create this environment through a safe, serene, and comfortable setting and by maintaining a staff of highly skilled therapists, psychiatrists, and nurses.
Contact Paradigm Treatment Today
We understand the need for local resources and therapeutic intervention for young people who are living with mental health disorders like ADHD. This is why we provide our residents the best care in a setting designed for healing and recovery.
Treatment starts with a medical evaluation and psychological tests to ensure your child meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. From there, we can develop a customized treatment plan that accurately addresses your teen’s unique skills and challenges.
We are here for your family every step of the way. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our services!
I had been stumbling through life for many years, some good weeks, but mostly bad ones. I blamed everything negative in my life to bad luck or other people being jerks. It took a real bad event in my life to begin looking inward and to come to terms that i was the sole reason for all things bad in my life and I had no idea how to change or fix the problems. You’ve changed my life and I have the deepest gratitude to the entire staff for helping me to the depths you have. I will stay in touch throughout my life, as I feel like you really care how I am doing, and am going to do.
– Robert L.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUNG ADULT AND TEEN ADHD
It depends on the severity of the symptoms, how a teen responds to treatment, and any co-occurring disorders.
Teens with undiagnosed and/or untreated ADHD may turn to drug use as a way to cope with symptoms. In these cases, a residential treatment program is more effective as it provides a drug-free environment where teens and young adults can work on their mental health while going through substance use recovery.
In other cases where severe symptoms of ADHD are paired up with disorders such as depression or suicidal ideation, residential treatment can also be more effective than alternatives by surrounding a teen with professionals who are capable of monitoring their mental health and providing comprehensive, round-the-clock care.
These two terms actually mean the same thing. For a long time, ADD was used to describe ADHD without hyperactivity. However, ADD is no longer a clinical diagnosis, and ADHD is used to describe the condition even in individuals who do not present with hyperactive behavioral symptoms.
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Lucy Nguyen is the Executive Director at Paradigm Treatment, overseeing all clinical treatment programs across the organization’s southwestern region. Her extensive experience includes working with young adults in private practice, serving as a therapist for children and teens with emotional and behavioral needs, and acting as a behavior interventionist for teens with developmental disorders. Lucy integrates cognitive-behavioral approaches with mindfulness and compassion in her work, and she is also EMDR-trained. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine.
