ADHD, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a neurobehavioral disorder that develops in childhood and, if left untreated, often persists into adulthood. ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that two to three percent of children have ADHD. A combination of medications and psychotherapy can help reduce ADHD symptoms and improve overall functioning.
Restlessness
A teenager suffering from ADHD may have a difficult time remaining still, which can cause problems in school. He may blurt out answers without waiting for the teacher to finish talking or to ask for answer. Extraneous stimuli may easily distract an ADHD sufferer and he may forget the task at hand because he is focused on other things going on in the classroom. He may talk non-stop or fidget and squirm. He may feel irritable and upset because his behavior may be judged by peers or adults as immature or careless.
Inattention
A teenager with ADHD may have a hard time paying attention and following through with directions. A teenager suffering from ADHD may shift from one incomplete task to another. She may be disorganized, forgetful and lose things often. She may avoid tasks like homework or chores. Working may prove difficult because it requires sustained mental effort. She may lose jobs, fail classes or drop out of school. The ADHD teenager may develop low self-esteem and have issues with social peer interactions because of her behavior.
Reckless Behavior
A teenager with ADHD may engage in reckless, thrill-seeking or impulsive behavior without considering the consequences. The National Institute of Mental Health states that teens with ADHD are four times more likely to have a car accident and three times more likely to get a speeding ticket than those without ADHD. Untreated teens with ADHD are more likely to develop a substance abuse disorder in an attempt to self-medicate their symptoms. It is important to get a child exhibiting signs of ADHD evaluated and treated to reduce the probability of severe injury through reckless behaviors in the teenage years.
