How to Treat ADHD in Teens

Dealing with any teenager can be enough to make you want to pull your hair out. But if your teen has Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), you may be faced with even more challenges as a parent. Getting your ADHD teen to focus and avoid distractions can feel like an Olympic sport sometimes, but there are strategies you can use to help them (and yourself) deal with their symptoms. Combined with an effective treatment plan, you can help your teen succeed in school and in life.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Medical Treatments

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Make sure your teen takes their medication. Medications are an important part of treating your teen’s ADHD, helping them focus and keep their attention on a task.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} But the medication only works if they take it! Make sure your teen takes their medication as it’s prescribed by their doctor to help them manage their symptoms.^{[2]XResearch source}
- It’s common for teens to have negative attitudes about taking medication.
- If your teen insists on not taking their meds, try making an agreement with them. For instance, if their grades start slipping or they start getting into trouble at school, they need to start taking them again.
2
Use behavioral therapy to help your teen manage their ADHD. Behavior therapy is an additional form of treatment that involves your teen working with a therapist to help manage their symptoms and develop strategies to deal with them.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source} Search for a licensed behavioral therapist that works with teens near you or ask your doctor for a referral.
- Behavioral therapy also helps your teen improve their relationships with their family and peers.
- The goals of behavior therapy are to strengthen positive behaviors and eliminate problem behaviors.
- If your teen is hesitant or resistant to therapy, try putting their ADHD in context. Tell them that they won’t grow out of it and if they learn how to deal with it, they can be successful and do whatever they want. But, they have to take the time to learn and therapy can help.^{[4]XResearch source}
3
Go to behavioral therapy with your teen to improve treatment. Your teen’s behavioral therapist will likely ask you to attend some of their sessions so you can learn how to help your teen manage their ADHD. Attend the sessions to learn the skills and strategies that will help your teen succeed at school, at home, and in relationships.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- Look for a therapist that focuses on training parents as well when you’re choosing one.
- Sessions may involve working with groups of parents as well who can provide additional support and advice.
4
Try neurofeedback training to help your teen control their thoughts. Neurofeedback training uses brain exercises to teach people with ADHD to change their thoughts so they can be more focused and attentive. Talk to your doctor about trying out sessions of neurofeedback training for your teen and schedule an appointment.^{[6]XResearch source}
- If your doctor can’t perform neurofeedback training, they may be able to recommend a therapist who can.
- Sessions are usually about 30 minutes long and painless. Combined with medication and therapy, it may help your teen learn to manage their symptoms.
- Neurofeedback training can be on the pricey end, with an average course of treatment costing between $2,000-$5,000 USD.
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Method 2

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Parenting Tips

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Communicate rules and expectations clearly. Make sure your teen knows any rules you have for them by clearly and explicitly stating them. If you expect your teen to behave or do something a certain way, communicate your expectations so there isn’t any confusion and they know what to do.^{[7]XResearch source}
- For instance, if you want your teen to clean the kitchen and unload the dishwasher, make sure they’re looking right at you and they understand what you’re asking them to do.
- It’s easy for teens with ADHD to lose focus when you’re giving them directions. Try asking them to repeat them back to you to make sure they’ve got it.
2
Establish consistent rewards and consequences. Anytime your teen does something well, be sure to reward them to help reinforce the positive behavior. If they misbehave or do something wrong, let them know how and why it’s wrong. If you’ve established punishments or consequences for poor behavior, stick to your guns and enforce them so your teen has clear boundaries.^{[8]XResearch source}
- For instance, if your teen knows that if they fail to do their homework then they’ll be grounded for the weekend, make sure you follow through with it.
- Make sure you reward your teen when they do something well, too. If they ace a test, take them out for a treat or let them stay up late playing video games. Reinforce positive behavior as often as you can.
3
Wait until you calm down to talk about a conflict with your teen. If you and your teen argue or get angry at each other, don’t try to discuss the issue while you’re both still upset. Set aside a later time or wait until everybody has calmed down to talk about what caused the argument or disagreement.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Discussing an issue while you’re angry can be counterproductive and may make the problem worse.
- If there’s a lot of family conflict with your teen, try talking to their therapist about it or seek help from a qualified mental health professional.
4
Respect your teen’s need for privacy. Your teen isn’t a kid anymore! If they’re asking for more privacy, try to give it to them. Knock on their bedroom door if it’s closed before you enter the room. Avoid searching through their things. If you’re suspicious about something, try talking to your teen about it rather than snooping.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Teens with ADHD are always having people tell them what they need to do. Try listening to them instead so they feel heard.
5
Keep your goals realistic and allow for mistakes. Help your teen manage their ADHD, but understand that they may still struggle. Try to be patient with your teen and don’t overwhelm them with super high expectations as they learn to cope with their symptoms. If your teen slips up and makes a mistake such as forgetting to do an assignment or clean the kitchen, try to cut them a little slack.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Try to put things in perspective. Ask yourself if something is worth getting really upset or fighting with your teen about. If it isn’t, maybe just let it go. Choose your battles!
6
Spend extra time helping your teen learn how to drive. Make sure your teen takes a full, formal driver’s education class before they get behind a wheel. Once they have their permit, spend lots of time together with them in the car. Talk about the skills and behaviors that will keep them safe on the road. Wait until you feel comfortable that they’ve learned the skills they need before you let them take a driving test and get their license.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the PublicGo to source}
- Teen drivers are more likely to speed, so talk to your teen about knowing and obeying the speed limits.
- Talk about avoiding distractions, especially looking away from the road to check your phone or look out of a side window. Teens with ADHD may be more easily distracted, so make sure they understand how important it is to focus on the road.
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Method 3

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School and Education

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Create an IEP with your teen and their school to help them succeed. An individual education plan (IEP) is an individualized gameplan that you and your teen’s school create specifically to help your teen learn and succeed. Contact your teen’s school and work with them to set up an IEP that will help them succeed.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- For instance, your school may allow your teen to have extra time to complete a test so they aren’t rushed or read tests aloud to them to help them understand the directions.
- An IEP can also allow your teen to have an extra set of books to keep at home to help them learn or provide them with classroom notes.
- Most IEPs are reviewed at the end of the year to find out what works and what doesn’t so you can make adjustments.
2
Use behavioral classroom management to help your teen learn. The behavioral classroom management approach uses reward systems or a daily report card to help promote your teen’s positive behaviors and discourage negative ones. Talk to your teen’s teacher or school about implementing the strategy to influence positive behavior and get your teen more engaged in the classroom.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- This is a teacher-led approach that’s been shown to help children with ADHD.
3
Ask your school if they offer special services for your teen. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires schools to accommodate teens with learning disabilities, including ADHD. Reach out to your teen’s school and ask what services they offer that you can use to help support your teen and promote a healthy learning environment.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- For instance, a 504 Plan may provide services and changes to your teen’s learning environment that will make sure their needs are met.
- Some schools may have tools like technology or allow breaks for your teen to move around, which can help them focus.
4
Set up organizational training to optimize your teen’s learning. Organizational training teaches time management and planning skills as well as ways to keep your school materials organized to help your student learn. Talk to your teen’s school to see if they offer organizational training that could benefit them.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- It’s important that your teen’s school environment is on board with their ADHD treatment plan so they can learn and succeed.
5
Try to maintain a good relationship with your teen’s school. It’s common for teens with ADHD to have some challenges at school, so it’s important that you maintain open communication and a positive relationship. Talk to your teen’s teachers as well as school administrators to make sure you’re on the same page and are both working to help your teen succeed.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- Go to any parent-teacher conferences to talk about your teen’s progress.
- Schedule a meeting with your teen’s teacher to talk about problems or issues you’re having.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Social Life

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Encourage your teen to pursue their natural talents to give them an outlet. Allow your teen to pursue their interests to keep them motivated and focused. If they have a skill or talent they excel at, such as sports or art, find an appropriate outlet that will let them learn and develop their skills.^{[18]XResearch source}
- The structured environment of school can be a struggle for teens with ADHD, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t gifted or unable to learn.
- For instance, if your teen likes to play music, let them take lessons, play with friends, or join a band so they can pursue it further.
2
Get your teen involved in sports. Try getting your teen involved in sports as a way to get out some of their energy and interact with some of their peers. Sign them up for sports that they’re interested in so they can have fun and make friends.^{[19]XResearch source}
- If your teen just isn’t into sports, don’t force them!
- If your teen is hesitant to join a sport or team, try making a deal with them. Let them try it out and if they don’t like it, they don’t have to do it. You never know. They may love it.
3
Look for a club that interests your teen for them to join. Check your teen’s school for a list of student clubs and organizations. Find one you think your teen might like and ask them if they’d like to join it. Encourage them to try it out so they can meet other teens with similar interests.^{[20]XResearch source}
- For instance, if your teen is super into video games, look for a gaming club at their school and encourage them to join.
4
Let your teen choose their friends unless they’re in danger. Try not to force your teen to hang out with certain people or forbid them from spending time with teens that you may not get along with. Allow them to choose their friends, even if you don’t agree with all of their decisions. However, if someone endangers your teen by getting them to participate in illegal activities or take drugs, don’t allow your teen to spend time with them.^{[21]XResearch source}
- ADHD teens can be more impulsive and may be more likely to fall in with the “wrong crowd.”^{[22]XResearch source}
- Even if your teen has a friend or two that you don’t absolutely love, social interaction is a good thing. As long as it isn’t hurting anybody, try not to stress about it too much.
5
Invite your teen’s friends to events. Pick up some tickets to a baseball game or concert. Offer to drive your teen and their friends to the event. Your teen might not love the idea of their mom or dad coming with them, but they may be more likely to invite some friends to go with them.^{[23]XResearch source}
- If your teen is hesitant to hang out with people, enticing them to invite their friends to a fun event may give them a push.
6
Introduce the idea of getting a part-time job. Look around for available part-time jobs in your area. Ask your teen if they’d be interested in earning some extra money and show them the available jobs. They may just take you up on the offer.^{[24]XResearch source}
- Part-time jobs can help your teen practice some social skills and boost their self-confidence.
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Tips

Try to find a balance between supervising your teen and letting them do their own thing. You may need to ease up on the monitoring you needed to do when they were younger.
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Warnings

If you’re worried about your teen’s safety, talk to their therapist about it.
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Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD, but they can have potentially dangerous side effects. If your teen isn’t eating or sleeping, or they’re having trouble thinking clearly, contact your doctor.^{[25]XResearch source}
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