Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a lifelong condition and is defined as someone experiencing significant difficulties staying focused and paying attention or hyperactivity and impulsive behavior or a combination of the two.

Since teens with ADHD have trouble controlling their behavior or have problems paying attention they often experience more difficulties because there are increased social demands and increased responsibilities in school.

Treatment for ADHD includes medication and therapy. As teenagers become more independent they also take more responsibility for their health. Unfortunately, teens will often self medicate using drugs or alcohol and stop using prescribed medication. This makes it difficult to maintain the consistent treatment that your teen needs.

Parenting a teen with ADHD can be a challenge. You want your teen to mature and become self sufficient at the same time they make many mistakes along the way. All teenagers need structure and guidelines. Teens with ADHD are no different. Make sure the rules are clear and be open to negotiation and change as needed.

ADHD should be treated. ADHD is a long-term, chronic condition. If it is not treated appropriately, ADHD may lead to:

 

It is important for your teenager to learn coping skills to deal with the difficulties ADHD can present. There needs to be consistency. Residential treatment has been very successful treating adolescents with ADHD because the setting works specifically to help teens develop problem solving skills, learn to control impulses and anger and change behavior.

Resource:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/do-teens-with-adhd-have-special-needs.shtml
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002518/