“Newport Academy’s treatment program has all the key components necessary for effectively treating adolescents with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.”
-David Smith, MD, Past President American Society of Addiction Medicine

Teen ADHD Treatment

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that begins in childhood but is not usually diagnosed until the individual is a teenager. In order to combat this difficult condition, teenagers must enter into a treatment program that understands their specific needs and can help address the condition quickly and effectively.

What is Teen ADHD?

The condition known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affects a young person's ability to pay attention, sit still in class or focus on a given task. Many teenagers with ADHD are seen by society at large as "hyper", "impulsive" or even "trouble-makers." The signs and symptoms of teen ADHD generally include:

  • An inability to finish schoolwork assignments
  • An inability to pay attention during class
  • Loses things easily or forgets about school assignments or home chores
  • An inability to get organized
  • Difficulty waiting their turn in class or at home
  • Restless behavior
  • Is not a good listener - and talks when they should be following directions

 

Statistics on Teen ADHD

  • Over 2 million American teenagers (between 4 and 5 percent) suffer from ADHD or ADD.
  • Half of those teenagers with ADHD are never properly diagnosed
  • Teenage ADHD is 2 to 3 times more common in boys than girls
  • As many as 60 percent of all teenagers with ADHD will carry the condition with them on into adulthood.

 

How to Treat Teens with ADHD

There is no actual cure for ADHD, so the focus of treatment lies in helping the teenagers manage their symptoms so that they can maintain a normal life and do well at school. There are several different ways this is accomplished including:

  • Individual counseling. In which an ADHD counselor will meet individually with the teenager and help them gain a better understanding of their condition - and how it can be controlled. This will place special emphasis on "problem areas" such as paying attention or doing homework and develop strategies that meet the person's individual needs.
  • Family counseling. During family counseling, parents and siblings are taught ways to help their family member with ADHD. This can come in a variety of forms, including: providing positive feedback, being more patient with the individual, and creating schedules to help them stay organized and productive with their school work and chores. Family counseling is where the family unit learns how to work together as a team in order to communicate more effectively and find solutions on their own.
  • Medication. Some programs provide medication to help individuals with ADHD control their symptoms. These prescription medications can increase focus and attentiveness and also reduce the impulsive behavior that hampers the individual with ADHD.

 

Newport Academy is a residential treatment facility that understands the very special needs of teenagers with ADHD. Through some of the most advanced treatment modalities available, Newport Academy helps young people gain more over the lives, and families find the most effective ways to help them. For additional information.