Treatment of ADHD in Adolescents
ADHD is multifaceted – as are the treatment approaches. These range from medication to non-drug therapies and even physical exercise.
Discover what makes you feel good.
Treatment of ADHD in Adolescents
ADHD is multifaceted – as are the treatment approaches. These range from medication to non-drug therapies and even physical exercise.
Discover what makes you feel good.
ADHD has no cure, but with the right support it is possible to lead a normal life.
With time and proper treatment, the symptoms and effects of the disorder can be controlled, especially if therapy begins early.
ADHD is not treated solely with medication: psychotherapy, psychoeducation, or social skills training can help. Regular exercise and physical activity also contribute to making life with ADHD easier.
Consult your doctor* and find out which treatment is best for you.
Sometimes you want to talk, but you don't know exactly who to talk to. In that case, it can be helpful to seek professional help, for example, from a psychologist.
Therapists have learned to listen and not just give advice – they help you find and follow your own path.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy plays a central role in the treatment of ADHD in adolescents and usually begins during school age. It is a specific form of psychotherapy that helps individuals cope better with certain situations.
This therapy helps to abandon less helpful behaviors and adopt positive behaviors.
The goal is to develop and practice strategies that facilitate the daily lives of those with ADHD and enable the modification of problematic behavior patterns. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches problem-solving strategies and improves self-control.
What can help parents of children with ADHD?
For parents or caregivers, dealing with a child's ADHD can be very challenging. Many develop personal strategies to cope with the situation. It is also crucial to remember that the child's behavior is not intentional. Sharing experiences in a support group can be helpful in managing the situation as effectively as possible.
ADHD always requires individualized treatment, and various medications can be used, each acting differently. Generally, these medications can help reduce typical symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In some cases, ADHD can also be treated without medication.
The treatment of ADHD in adolescents with medication, and how this is done, depends on the symptoms present, their severity, and the impact they have on daily life.
ADHD symptoms can improve significantly in a short time with personalized medication. Concentration becomes easier and impulse control simpler. The active ingredients used include methylphenidate, (lis)dexamfetamine, atomoxetine, and guanfacine
Especially when symptoms are very severe, ADHD medication is often the basis for other therapies to help.
Medications do not alter the personality of adolescents, nor do they sedate them.
Medication corrects the neurotransmitter imbalance in the brain that causes ADHD. This reduces ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improves information processing. This improvement in concentration and behavior is precisely the goal of medication.
*For ease of reading, we have avoided using gender-neutral language (male/female/diverse). All personal designations apply equally to all genders.