Teens and Young Adults
Mental Health Matters for Teens and Young Adults with ADHD
- ADHD and Co-occurring Conditions (INFOGRAPHIC)The most common co-occurring health conditions and how to address them are discussed in this infographic.
- Am I Depressed? (PODCAST)Staying at home and the stress of the pandemic could lead to symptoms of depression. Some individuals with ADHD who already had coexisting depression could experience increased symptoms because of the pandemic. Dr. Eugene Arnold provides information about the symptoms of depression and discusses treatment options.
- Risky Behaviors Associated with ADHD (ARTICLE)Reviews of research on the connections between ADHD symptoms and risk-taking. The author discusses how parents and adults can take steps to reduce potential risks or limit the negative consequences of those actions.
- Guidance for Uncertain Times: Managing Anxiety (PODCAST)COVID-19 has caused anxiety and worry in many homes. Lifestyle changes to protect a family’s health can contribute to an increase in anxiety, especially for those with ADHD. Dr. Craig Bruce Surman offers advice on how to identify and manage anxious feelings and thoughts for parents and children, including a guided relaxation meditation.
- Reframe Your ADHD-Related Stress (ARTICLE)ADHD increases stress levels. What can you do to quickly reduce the troublesome tension and overwhelm? It might have to do with how you look at things.
- ADHD and Suicide Risk Factors | Clinical Considerations for Treatment (VIDEO)Research studies have found those who have ADHD are at a greater risk for death from suicide. There are various reasons for this higher risk, including increased depression and anxiety due to ADHD symptoms and executive functioning problems, along with higher degrees of impulsivity. Dr. Roberto Olivardia provides a thorough understanding of the facts and myths about suicide, risk factors for suicide, and important treatment considerations.
- When ADHD and Substance Use Disorders Coexist (ARTICLE)The co-occurrence of other disorders along with ADHD is generally the rule rather than the exception. There is a significant association between ADHD and substance use disorders, making this one of the most common forms of dual diagnosis. Children and teens with ADHD are significantly more likely to try alcohol, tobacco, and a range of substances during their lifetime compared with their non-ADHD counterparts.
- When Depression Co-occurs with ADHD (ARTICLE)A diagnosis of ADHD or another mental health disorder is often followed by a diagnosis for a coexisting condition. Researchers think this is because these health problems are likely interconnected. Co-occurring conditions appear to be “the rule, not the exception.”
- How to Manage ADHD and Anxiety (VIDEO)Anxiety can affect symptoms of ADHD such as causing decreased attention and concentration and resulting in more distractibility. In this video, we will discuss why ADHD and anxiety occur together, how ADHD and anxiety both impact each other, and strategies for managing and treating anxiety.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, almost 12 percent of teenagers are diagnosed with ADHD. Teens in general can face academic challenges, social difficulties and problems at home, however, having ADHD may make these issues more difficult to deal with or more severe.
Teens with ADHD are at risk for potentially serious problems as they transition into adulthood. As many as two-thirds of teens with ADHD continue to experience significant symptoms of ADHD in adulthood. In addition, as they become adults, adolescents with ADHD are at higher risk for lower educational attainment, greater job difficulties and greater social problems; may experience challenges when driving; have a higher likelihood of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases; and are more likely to become parents at an earlier age compared to individuals without the disorder. However, these are only risks, they are not prophecies. Many teens with ADHD go on to become successful, productive adults. Continued awareness and treatment is crucial in parenting teens who have ADHD and helping them avoid these risks and fulfill their potential.
