The symptoms must be present in several settings for 6 months or more. The American Academy of Pediatrics outlines the symptoms for diagnosing ADHD.
For a high school pupil aged 12 years to 16 years to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must exhibit 6 of the symptoms listed in the clinical guidelines. Adolescents aged 17 years and older must display 5 of the ADHD symptoms in order to be diagnosed with ADHD.
Diagnosis for ADHD in Teenagers FAQ
How to explain ADHD to a teenager?
Let your ADHD teen know that ADHD does not have to get in the way of them having a “normal” life. And in fact, now having been diagnosed, they can get help to make the challenges they were facing even easier. Educate your teenager about the meaning of ADHD and make it clear that there is a lot of support and help available. Let your teen know that ADHD is not their “fault” and although there is no cure there are treatments to control the symptoms. You may want to point out to your ADHD a few of the very successful people with ADHD like Justin Timberlake, Michael Phelps, and Richard Branson.
Diagnosis of ADHD in girls?
Teenage girls may be diagnosed with ADHD when they show symptoms of introversion, inattentiveness, and low-self-esteem. This is the type of ADHD that is sometimes called ADD.
Diagnosis of ADHD in boys?
Boys are diagnosed with ADHD more than girls, probably because the symptoms are more obvious in boys. Teenage boys may be diagnosed with ADHD when they are impulsive, physically aggressive, lack of focus, and hyperactive.
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