ADHD Medication for Teenagers

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects millions of teenagers in the United States. It can be a potentially debilitating condition, exacerbated by the fact that the condition sometimes looks like nothing more than bad behavior. Because of this, many teenagers with ADHD often go undiagnosed.

Facts

• Studies show that between 3 and 5 percent of American teenagers have ADHD and about 80 percent of those diagnosed with the condition need medication.

Types

• Medication for teenagers with ADHD includes stimulant medications such as Ritalin, Concerta and Atterall. Some teenagers respond well to non-stimulating medications like Straterra.

Effects

• Stimulant medications raise the level of dopamine in the brain, which can help attention. Non-stimulant medications raise the level of norepinephrine, which can help ADHD patients without the negative side effects of stimulant drugs.

Misconceptions

• Behaviors such as forgetfulness, interrupting and drinking that are thought to be typical teenager behavior are actually symptoms of ADHD. For teenagers with ADHD, behavior modification may not be enough and medication could be necessary.

Benefits

• Medication for ADHD has been shown to help teenagers dramatically in many areas of their lives, including sleeping, emotions and focus while learning.