Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment Center for Adolescents Near Dallas, Texas

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

Adolescents who are predominantly inattentive have significant challenges staying on task or focusing on a project and have difficulty with organization. To be diagnosed with predominantly inattentive-type ADHD, teens must meet the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) ADHD diagnosis criteria. Several symptoms must be present, including:

• High distractibility
• Difficulty focusing on an activity or task, such as an academic lecture or reading
• Trouble following instructions well, such as about job duties, chores, or school work
• Difficulty with organization
• Avoidance of sustained mental effort, such as that involved with completing forms or finishing schoolwork
• Frequent misplacement of things like keys, cellphones, or books
• Failure to appear to be listening when spoken to
• Forgetfulness about daily tasks, such as doing chores or homework

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

Teens with a predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD presentation find themselves fidgeting a lot and having difficulty sitting still. For example, while eating a meal or doing homework, they need frequent breaks to get up and walk around. They feel restless and may impulsively interrupt others; for example, they may forget to raise their hand at school before answering a question.

Many of the following symptoms occur frequently:

• Fidgeting or tapping their hands or feet
• Inability to stay seated at school or work
• Being always on the go
• Inability to do leisure activities quietly
• Frequent talking
• Difficulty waiting their turn
• Frequent interruption of others

Combined-Type ADHD

Teenagers with a combined-type ADHD have inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. It is crucial to have a board-certified mental health professional diagnose your child, since several other conditions, such as anxiety, head injuries, thyroid conditions, and learning disorders, can mimic ADHD.

The signs of ADHD in teens can change over time, so the presentation may also change. In other words, a child who may have been diagnosed with predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation may have more symptoms of inattentive presentation as they grow into their teens or older adolescent years. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, so your child will likely undergo several tests to rule out other health conditions that may have similar symptoms.

Symptoms of ADHD in Adolescents

Teenage behavior is not always straightforward, so it can be challenging to diagnose teens with ADHD if the condition was not identified when they were younger. ADHD often first presents in childhood, but not everyone receives a proper diagnosis and treatment during those years. During an evaluation, healthcare providers examine the individual’s mental health and medical history. 

The symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity or inattention must be present in two or more settings. In other words, if the only time the problem presents itself is at school, the issue may not be a neurodevelopmental condition. ADHD symptoms do not look the same in all teenagers and they can change throughout the teen years. During adolescence, hyperactivity often becomes less severe, and instead of an inability to sit for long periods, it can present as restlessness or fidgeting. 

Parents can look out for teens who are struggling with ADHD and academic performance and appear disorganized and forgetful. They may be distractible and have a lack of focus or demonstrate poor decision-making and concentration, and trouble finishing tasks. Some teenagers become more emotional and develop a fear of rejection. The symptoms of ADHD are chronic but they are not constant. 

Your teenager may have specific activities in which they have no difficulty exercising executive functions, which can make the diagnosis more challenging. For example, a teen may appear to have no problems with engaging in a favorite pastime, such as art, music, or sports. These exceptions can make it seem that ADHD is a lack of willpower, but instead, it is an impairment in the chemical dynamics of your teenager’s brain.