Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a chronic disorder that causes an individual to become inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive. The website Teen Help states that 2 million teens in the United States have ADHD. The condition is usually diagnosed during childhood but can persist well into adulthood if left untreated. The symptoms of ADHD vary from teen to teen, but a combination of medication, counseling or both can improve the functioning of teens with ADHD.
Impulsive Behavior
Teenagers with ADHD often act impulsively without considering the consequences associated with their actions, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. These teens have a hard time waiting their turn. They often blurt out the answer to a teacher's question before the other students have a chance to respond. They also might behave recklessly by driving too fast, running stoplights and stop signs, stealing or using illegal substances. A young teenage girl with ADHD might have unprotected sex with an adult man because he tells her he loves her.
Weak Social Skills
Teens with ADHD have a hard time making and maintaining friendships. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, these teens have difficulties adapting to social situations in which good social skills are essential. Teens with ADHD tend to talk excessively, often interrupting other people's conversations. In addition, these teens are prone to pushing, hitting, shoving or running into team members when participating in sports. ADHD teens might ignore team rules and procedures while participating in extracurricular activities, aggravating team members. Some teens with ADHD might exhibit overly aggressive behavior that unintentionally triggers quarrels and physical fights with peers.
Problems with Concentration and Focus
Teenagers with ADHD have a hard time concentrating or focusing on a task for long periods, according to the MayoClinic.com. These teens find it challenging to pay attention to details and often making careless mistakes while performing tasks. They generally do poorly in school because they tend to get distracted and bored easily if something does not interest them. A teacher might find these teens daydreaming in class or she might notice that their homework is messy, lacking thought, full of errors, incomplete or missing altogether. These teens often state that they cannot find their books, pencils, pens, lunch, gym clothes or homework. Because of their concentration problems, these teens might forget where they placed their money or other necessary items. In addition, some teens with ADHD have a hard time following a task through to the completion. They usually dislike tasks that require a sustained mental effort such as housework or school work, preferring shorter more stimulating activities.
Hyperactivity
ADHD teens constantly fidget with their hands and feet, according to the website Teens Health. Some teens with ADHD pace around the room while others constantly get up out of their seat to walk around the classroom or talk to classmates. These teens have a hard time being motionless for lengthy periods and usually get restless and disruptive if forced to do so. A teacher might notice that an ADHD teen squirms in his seat or messes with things on his desk during class.
