Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): How to Care for Yourself

Teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can have trouble paying attention. They may also have trouble sitting still, do things without thinking, and have behavior problems. Without treatment, ADHD can lead to low self-esteem, depression, difficult behavior, problems in school, risk-taking behaviors, or family conflict. With the right support from family and health care providers, most teens can learn to manage their ADHD.

Get educated. Learn about ADHD and how it affects you. Follow your health care provider's recommendations for treatment, therapy, and follow-up visits.

Take your medicines. If the health care provider prescribed medicine, take it as directed. A weekly pill organizer can help you keep track of it. Talk to your parents about where to store your medicine so it is safe. Talk to the health care provider before changing or stopping your medicine; starting any new treatments; or taking any herbs, vitamins, or supplements.

Follow up. Return for follow-up visits and go to see other specialists (such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or neurologist), if recommended.

Work with teachers at your school. Meet with the teachers and staff at school to talk about things that may help, such as:

• having extra time to finish work

• sitting near the front of the class

• writing down assignments (with the teacher's help, if needed)

• having a private way for the teacher to remind you to pay attention or do what's expected

• having an individualized education program (IEP) or a 504 education plan so you get special help at school, such as extra time on tests

Set a routine. Keep a daily routine so you know what to expect. Get plenty of exercise and enough sleep. Try to find a sport, hobby, or activity that you enjoy.

You:

• have a lot of trouble at school with grades or friends

• have changes in eating or sleeping

• feel aggressive or violent

• feel sad or hopeless

What causes ADHD? Teens with ADHD have differences in their brain activity and brain chemistry compared with other teens. It's not clear what causes these brain differences. Sometimes, ADHD runs in families. ADHD is not caused by too much screen time, bad parenting, or a person's diet.

What are the symptoms of ADHD? Most teens struggle to pay attention, listen to directions, or sit still sometimes. But teens with ADHD struggle more with these types of things. They can show signs in different ways, such as being:

• Inattentive. Teens who are inattentive are easily distracted and have trouble focusing their attention, concentrating, and staying on task. They may not listen to directions or might miss important details of instructions. They may have a hard time finishing what they started or daydream often. They may seem forgetful or lose their things.

• Hyperactive. Teens who are hyperactive have a hard time sitting still. They might run, jump, play, or roughhouse when they shouldn't. They may be fidgety, restless, or easily bored. They may make careless mistakes because they're rushing. 

• Impulsive. Teens who are impulsive act too quickly before thinking. They can interrupt and find it hard to wait their turn. They may do things without asking permission or take things that aren't theirs. They may act in ways that are risky. They can have reactions to situations that are more intense than expected.

Not all teens with ADHD have all these symptoms. For example, some teens with ADHD are not hyperactive but do have trouble paying attention.

How is ADHD treated? Treatment for ADHD can include: 

• Medicine: Sometimes, a teen takes medicine to help them pay attention, slow down, and use more self-control.

• Behavior therapy: Therapists can teach teens social, emotional, and organization skills to help them manage their ADHD.

• School support: Different supports can help teens manage social and academic challenges.

• Parent coaching: Parents can go to coaching to learn the best ways to respond to their teen's behavior.