Counseling for Attention Deficit & Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is separated into three types.  One where people have difficulty concentrating but have no hyperactivity, called the inattentive type.  One where there is a primary hyperactivity problem, called the hyperactive type.  And one, called the combined type, that has inattentive as well as hyperactive properties. 

Contrary to what some people think ADHD is not associated with low intelligence.  One of the distinguishing characteristics of the inattentive type of ADHD is that children have difficulty concentrating even on things that they are interested in.  If a teenager can concentrate for hours on a task he finds enjoyable then an ADHD diagnosis is probably not appropriate, even if he has trouble concentrating in school.  In these cases the problem probably lies elsewhere.

Hyperactivity in Teenagers

Hyperactive teenagers have difficulty staying in their seats, not running, not climbing on things, or not taking dangerous risks involving the possibility for injury or death, for example extreme skate boarding stunts.  They can also have trouble waiting their turn or interrupting people while they are talking.  For these reasons they can have trouble making friends.  They have difficulty controlling themselves in social situations and may be perceived as annoying. 

Parenting Teens with ADHD

Parents may find these teenagers particularly difficult to deal with because they require strict structure and a lot of supervision.  Thankfully, most teenagers eventually outgrow these symptoms.  If they do not they could experience problems concentrating and with hyperactivity well into adulthood.

Parent Resources

Please visit Miami Teen Counseling' Blog for more information on ADD and ADHD as well as a variety of other common emotional and behavioral issues in teenagers.  

Consultation

If you believe your teenager maybe suffer with ADHD please call Miguel Brown at 786-664-7426. If you would like to come into our office please request a Consultation by filling out the form to the right.

By Miguel Brown