Of the 11 percent of American children aged 4-17 who suffer from the disorder of attention and hyperactivity (ADHD) more than 70% of them are prescribed medication to combat the symptoms. Many people see ADHD as a condition similar as the ones that affect children. However, 60 percent of those suffering from the disorder experience challenges and apprehensions through their teens and into adulthood.
We were certain of our decision to place our child on ADHD medication. But as he started to reach the age of adolescence and the signs and risk factors were different, we thought about whether or not we should keep the medication. We learned the information we gathered.
What ADHD symptoms in teens? They have to be related to appearance?
The obvious hyperactivity associated to ADHD tends to diminish as children get older and it could appear that the condition is getting less serious. As they age the pressures of academics and social expectations grow. This can be particularly challenging to manage for teenagers suffering from ADHD who struggle to identify subtle signs, such as executive functioning or working memory issues. Child Mind Institute Child Mind Institute provides the most crucial areas in which teens with ADHD often struggle.
Academics
Teens with ADHD typically have trouble organizing their schedules and staying on track during class or homework. This can affect the performance of their pupils and academic performance.
Peer relationships
Maintaining friendships isn’t easy for teens suffering from ADHD. They might not be conscious of social signals and may act in impulsive ways or have trouble communicating. They could be at risk of being harassed or victimized by people around them.
Functioning of the emotional
Inability to control emotions can make the usual mood swings in adolescents more evident in teens who suffer from ADHD. They could be extremely frustrated and struggle to manage their emotions.
Risky behavior
Teens with ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behavior like drinking, smoking or other alcohol or substances, as well as engaging sexual intimate and sexual activity (particularly sexually dangerous). This tends to happen earlier than their peers with neurotypical disorders.
Driving
The tendency of hyper-active and distracted teens who have ADHD to run the risk of being accused of traffic and accidents paying attention on serious incidents.
What are the best ways of controlling ADHD for teens?
A properly planned treatment program can reduce the risk and make the procedure easier for teens as well as teens affected by ADHD. The decision to start my son, seven years old or older, taking medication following the confirmation of the ADHD diagnosis wasn’t a simple one. We’d conducted the required research in the past and knew about the advantages of ADHD medication, but also the potential dangers connected to it.
We had a lengthy discussion with his pediatrician, and decided that it was the best option for him without question. Within a few days, we observed positive results, and after some time, we realized the correct amount of Concerta. He was achieving better results in school, and more important was the fact that the student felt more comfortable. The story of his experience isn’t atypical.
Medication
The most efficient and efficient way to treat ADHD in 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 medications can assist in the calming of teenagers with ADHD however, they could produce effects comparable to “revving up” effect on people who do not have ADHD. Dr. Shrand says that there’s a range of other drugs that can help with the treatment of ADHD including those that increase Dexedrine as well as an mild stimulant called Strattera.
Exercise
“Regular exercise is the most effective non-medicinal treatment for ADHD,” claims Tia the Cantrell Therapist, who is also an ADHD specialist from 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 is first time waking up.
Sleep
Cantrell stresses the importance of a good night’s rest to manage the symptoms of teens suffering from ADHD. “While a good night’s rest won’t cure your ADHD symptoms, it will help your other ADHD strategies be more effective.”
Examining intolerances to certain foods
In the absence of a control for gluten intolerance, it can be a cause or identified as celiac disorder can cause ADHD symptoms. Research studies aren’t conclusive enough as to establish a link between the gluten-free diet, and ADHD treatment, but “…children and teenagers whose ADHD symptoms decreased after the gluten-free diet have been found to had celiac disorders that were not identified or gluten intolerance which is not celiac.” This isn’t a valid treatment on its own however it is something you should talk about with your child’s physician.
What are the advantages in ADHD treatment for teenagers?
“Kids who are appropriately treated will face no more or less challenges than any teen faces,” Dr. Shrand stated. “But kids who are not treated appropriately are at higher risk for substance use, dropping out of school, and feeling constantly inadequate.”
Cantrell says: “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 Dr. Shrand suggest keeping teenagers on medications if they’re experiencing difficulty in beating ADHD symptoms. Dr. Shrand doesn’t consider the use of ADHD medication as a risk that could lead to risky consequences. If a teenager is trying to see if they’re capable of coping without taking medication, he suggests having regular breaks from their medications, especially during school holidays. The body is rid of stimulants rapidly, and it won’t take too long to determine how teens feel after they have stopped their medication and how they feel.
Dr. Shrand suggests that patients continue to take medications until reaching adulthood when it’s working. “I have had adult patients who should have been treated as kids, but never were, start on medication and change their lives around.” Cantrell has personally been affected by this event.
We believe that the advantages of ADHD medication is greater than the risk. We’ve decided to continue our son’s treatment on the medication as long as is needed or until he’s mature enough to choose an alternative choice. We’re thrilled to fight the stigma that surrounds using medications.
“Medicating (children with ADHD) gives them the level playing field they need to live up to their potential,” Says Cantrell who suggests that you compare ADHD treatment with providing the child with an item in which he can keep his spilled marbles.
It is said that Dr. Shrand has stated it is Dr. Shrand has compared ADHD medication to mountains climbing gear. “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 told our son that to people who suffer from ADHD the usage of ADHD medications is like wearing glasses. Certain people require these medicines to make their world simpler to understand. We’re thankful for the assistance which is easily available.
