Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, is now referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. The term ADD was changed to ADHD because hyperactivity is a main component of the disorder. Some people, however, still use the term ADD. ADHD generally shows up in young children and can last well into adulthood. There is an array of symptoms associated with ADHD during the teenage years, and these symptoms can have both positive and negative effects on the life of an adolescent.
Difficulty Following Instructions
A teen with ADHD may turn in assignments where the instructions were only partially followed. She may stop listening to her teachers and parents, and thus, will be unable to fully follow instruction due to her inability to maintain focus and attention.
Organizational Problems
Teens with ADHD may be lacking in their ability to organize. A teen might shove papers and projects into his book bag without a thought as to where the papers should go. His bedroom might be cluttered and messy because he does not possess the natural ability to organize and arrange like-items together.
Learning Disorders
According to Kid’sHealth.org, about half the teens with ADHD have a learning disability such as reading problems, dyslexia and handwriting problems. ADHD can affect a teen’s academic performance because it can affect his ability to concentrate.
Accident Prone
Many times, teenagers with ADHD get into more car accidents than those teens without ADHD, reports Kid’sHealth.org. Things like the radio, other drivers, friends, or the cell phone can easily distract a teen with ADHD while she is driving.
Loss of Items
A teen with ADHD may be notorious for losing or misplacing items. A teen may often be on the hunt for a needed item, or he may often forget to bring his homework assignments or projects to school.
Inability to Listen
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or AACAP, teenagers with ADHD usually have trouble paying attention or concentrating; they may be unable to listen despite a desire to listen.
Talkative
Teens with primarily the hyperactive form of ADHD may seem to be always talking to someone. These teens may appear to have a lot of friends. A teen with ADHD may be loud and may tend to yell in the school hallways. They may make noises with their mouth, or may be hard to quiet in the classroom and at home.
Energy
The AACAP notes that teens with ADHD may become restless, fidgety and be unable to sit still. A teen may be seen running up and down the hallways at school or bouncing from one friend to another. In the class room she might be able to remain seated the whole hour and may be seen constantly spinning a pencil in her hands.
Cooperating
A teenager with ADHD may have trouble cooperating in sports and games, reports the AACAP. ADHD may cause them to be unable to focus long enough to play.
Impulsive
Teens may engage in impulsive behaviors, such as blurting out answers, interrupting others, or saying inappropriate things. The AACAP notes that teens with ADHD tend to engage in activities before they think about the consequences. Some teens may try risky sporting stunts, or race a car down the road.
