The teen years are full of challenges,including puberty, acne, dating and college preparation. Youngsters with hyperactivity problems have an added layer of difficulty. Hyperactive symptoms are often caused by attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. The exact cause is unknown, but it appears to be related to the brain and neurotransmitters, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health, or NIMH. Other factors, like diet and genetics, may also play a role.
Definition
ADHD manifests itself in several different ways, according NIMH. It can make sufferers inattentive and impulsive, and one of the most common types involves hyperactivity. The hyperactive symptoms are sometimes combined with inattention. Symptoms include fidgeting, constant motion, touching things excessively, running around and constantly talking.
Time Frame
ADHD is generally diagnosed in childhood, according to NIMH. Hyperactive youngsters are evaluated by doctors and mental health professionals to see if ADHD is the problem. If so, they are treated with some combination of medication, counseling and specialized education plans. Some, however, are not diagnosed until they reach their teen years. This is most common with the inattentive type of ADHD, since NIMH explains that hyperactivity symptoms often diminish with age, but some teenagers do get diagnosed with the hyperactive variety.
Symptoms
Hyperactive teens have somewhat different symptoms than younger children. They may still be fidgety and talkative, but NIMH explains that they also feel restless and take on too many responsibilities all at once. Their hyperactivity affects their decision-making, as they tend to choose easy options with quick payoffs instead of focusing on more difficult tasks that have bigger long term rewards. This often hurts their school performance at a critical time when they may be preparing for college or a job. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry warns that hyperactivity hurts many teens' self esteem and causes social problems.
Treatment
Parents generally make treatment decisions for children with hyperactivity. NIMH points out that teenagers with the conditions often want a say in how the problem is addressed. Treatments generally include stimulant medication and counseling. Stimulants have side effects like sleep disturbance and decreased appetite that teenagers may not like. Teens are old enough to participate fully in therapy, so cognitive counseling, which provides concrete strategies for handling symptoms, is generally more effective for them than for hyperactive youngsters.
Teens Health, an information website from Nemours hospitals, recommends other strategies such as physical exercises to release energy, asking peers for support and using calming techniques like meditation.
Warning
Teens Health warns that hyperactive teenagers face some special dangers when driving. Youngsters with ADHD have more accidents than other new drivers. They are more easily distracted and likely to pay attention to other things. Teens with this problem should never use a cell phone to talk or text while driving and should refrain from fiddling with the radio or any other action that takes their minds away from the road.
