ADHD Treatment Centers for Adults and Teens

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic medical condition that affects an estimated 5% of children and 2.5% of adults, according to the American Psychiatric Association.  ADHD is characterized by difficulties in paying attention, concentrating, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviors.  In most cases, ADHD first appears in childhood when a school-aged child begins to act out disruptively in the classroom and lack the ability to pay attention.  When these behaviors become clearly more pronounced than their peer group, a teacher may recommend the child be tested for ADHD.

While the majority of children diagnosed with ADHD will grow out of it by early adulthood, those whose symptoms are severe as children will likely continue to struggle with ADHD into their teens and adulthood.  Some teens with ADHD managed to adapt in the early grades, but as coursework and social stresses increase during high school, their symptoms become pronounced enough to require medication and therapy.

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD also were able to adapt and compensate for the disorder in their youth, as the medical and psychiatric community does not believe that adults can suddenly acquire ADHD.  The multiple stressors faced in adulthood can cause the symptoms to become pronounced enough to seek treatment to be able to function normally and productively.  ADHD treatment centers for adults and teens with the disorder can apply targeted therapies and medications to help them manage the life-disrupting symptoms.

Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD vary somewhat between teens and adults, although there are some common characteristics.  If you or a loved one exhibits several of these symptoms, an ADHD Treatment Center for Adults and Teens can offer diagnosis and help for managing the disorder:

Symptoms of ADHD in Teens

Common symptoms of ADHD in teens can include:

• Get distracted easily
• Make careless mistakes in schoolwork
• Neglects assignments
• Underachiever, doesn’t work to potential in school
• Forgetful and inattentive
• Fidgets
• Interrupts others impulsively
• Frequently forgets or loses things needed for assignments
• Difficulty organizing tasks
• Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
• May talk excessively, disruptive in class
• Trouble remaining seated in class
• Difficulty engaging in activities quietly or without being disruptive
• Avoids tasks that require sustained attention
• Has trouble following directions or listening to instruction
• Restless, easily bored

Untreated teen ADHD can result in difficulties related to both academic and social realms.  Because of the lack of follow through on school assignments, deadlines, and a general academic underachievement, chances of going on the college can be greatly diminished due to lower grade point averages.  Teens with ADHD also struggle with maintaining healthy relationships with peers.

Symptoms of ADHD in adults

Common symptoms of ADHD in adults:

• Chronically late to work or for appointments
• Chronic boredom
• Forgetful
• Difficulty controlling anger
• Low tolerance for frustration
• Difficulty delaying gratification
• Poor organizational skills
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Has low self-esteem
• Procrastinates
• Has problems completing tasks and assignments at work
• Impulse behaviors
• Difficulty concentrating when reading
• Low motivation
• Trouble in relationships
• Substance abuse or addiction

Unaddressed adult ADHD can have a negative impact on work and family life.  Adults with the disorder may have trouble staying at a job for very long, resulting in job-hopping and lower income potential.  The inability to control impulsive behaviors can lead to auto accidents and speeding tickets, substance abuse or smoking, and multiple marriages.

ADHD Treatment Centers for Adults and Teens

Mental health treatment centers that focus on treating ADHD in teens or adults can provide the diagnosis and treatment plan to help them manage the symptoms throughout life.  Combining psychotherapy with either a stimulant or non-stimulant medication is the usual line of treatment for ADHD in teens and adults.  Where a young child with ADHD can benefit from behavioral therapy or behavior modification, teens and adults are better served with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

CBT can help modify irrational thinking that may manifest as black-or-white thinking (which can lead to perfectionism), catastrophizing (exaggerated response to events or anticipated events), personalization (assuming negative events are always their fault), and over-emphasis on negative thinking (overlooking positive events).  By making adjustments in the cognitive thought process, the negative behaviors are diminished.

Pharmacotherapy is typically part of the treatment plan for managing symptoms of ADHD.  The medications for teens and adults with ADHD may include Adderall, Vivanse, Focalin, Dexedrine, Concerta or Ritalin.  Non-stimulant medications include Intuniv, Kapvay, and Strattera. To help identify what medication may match best with your unique chemistry, a blood test called Pharmacogentics or Genetic Testing can be used to pin point medications that will help you best.

Seeking Help for ADHD Treatment Centers for Adults and Teens

The Treatment Specialist will connect you with a treatment center that offers residential rehab for ADHD.  The specialists can help determine you or a loved one’s specific needs from the confidential, complimentary assessment tool provided at our website.  Based on the results, a. Treatment Specialist can guide you with compassion and care.  To get help and residential rehab for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, contact a Treatment Specialist today at (866) 644-7911.