Helping Teens
Posted by Improving Lives Counseling | Articles
Sitting still, listening, paying attention, and concentrating on one single thing is required on a daily basis, yet many teens find it hard to concentrate, to remember important things, and to manage relationships. They want to please parents and teachers, yet their hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and lack of organization seems uncontrollable. The harder they try, the more challenging it becomes. These may be signs of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD).
Although ADHD is usually diagnosed in children ages 7-12, ADHD symptoms worsen during the hormonal changes of adolescence. Moodiness, disorganization, overreaction, failing grades, and emotional instability are traits found in all teens, however, once these traits become a pattern or lead to disruptive behavior, a professional evaluation and assessment by a physician, psychiatrist, counselor, or therapist is in order. Improving Lives Counseling Services is here to help.
A teen’s brain is in the developmental stage. There are various areas in the frontal lobe of the brain that control a teen’s ability to sit still, to focus, and to concentrate. A decrease in development or slowing of activity in these areas affects chemicals in the teen brain, leading frequently to Inattentive and Hyperactive / Impulsive symptoms, primary categories of ADHD/ADD. Teens forget homework, become bored with classroom assignments, and do poorly on tests, particularly Scantron Answer Sheets.
ADHD/ADD teens often turn to alcohol, drugs, toxic groups, and promiscuous behavior; not identifying their feelings, actions, or short comings as symptoms or getting the diagnosis and treatment they need. Studies show untreated ADHD teens have more car accidents, take unnecessary risks, and display poor judgment. Many teens suffer into adulthood not understanding why they fail to finish school, can’t hold down a job, or maintain a relationship. The therapists and counselors of Improving Lives Counseling Services rule-out, diagnose, and treat behavioral disorders: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder (CD), and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Improving Lives Counseling Services offers individual, family, and group counseling sessions for teens. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition. Today, a combination of therapy and medication (stimulant and non-stimulant) are used in treating teens. Knowing the truth about ADHD, acknowledging the symptoms, and seeking help is essential. Teens can live the happy, fulfilling, life they were meant to live. Call us today.
