Honestly, I love these kids! ADHD teenagers tend to be enthusiastic explorers, fun, funny, creative, engaging, curious, talkative, active, independent in spirit, brave, and with a heavy dose of distrust of authority. They often insist on being themselves and want to learn through their own direct experience. But obviously, these these traits can get them into quite a lot of trouble too and people can be very quick to pathologize them. But, if these characteristics are understood, accepted, and harnessed in the right way these teenagers become energetic, innovative, and valuable parts of society. The trick in their psychotherapeutic treatment is to help them to be more thoughtful, considerate, and responsible without putting out the fire that makes them who they are. 

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There is some debate about whether it is really appropriate to label teenagers like this with a mental disorder. My professional opinion is that ADHD is very overdiagnosed. This diagnosis can be used to justify squeezing a high-energy or highly creative teenager into the linear, structured, and routine-based rigidity of modern schools. I believe that school should make more of a place for teenagers like this. Instead, these teenagers are pathologized and made to feel badly about themselves for not being able to fit into school as neatly as other teenagers. The pathology here exists on a societal level not just a personal mental health level. It is very important for these teenagers to understand themselves and their natural tendencies in a realistic and positive light. And they need to develop a clear-eyed view of their need to find workarounds in certain circumstances. This allows them to free themselves from the prejudiced views of others who want them to be the proverbial "excellent sheep" and find a way to succeed while being themselves.

If these teenagers buy into this negative view of themselves two things can happen. First, they become at risk for a mood disorder like depression which tends to make focus and impulse control even more difficult. And second, they can begin to think of themselves as essentially defective which they can use as a crutch or excuse to avoid putting in the effort it takes to address the pitfalls of their personality type and learn to function in structured settings which require quiet, focused work. It doesn't feel natural for them, but these ADHD teenagers can make considerable improvements in this way without sacrificing their authentic way of being. 

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Parenting ADHD-style kids can be a hell of a ride! These teenagers are at higher risk of accidents, injuries, and various other negative events. This can make parents very afraid and they may respond to this fear with strong attempts to control their teenagers in a well-intentioned strategy to keep them safe. This is, of course, something that ADHD-style kids are built to rebel against. This is a typical family difficulty with ADHD teenagers and it can actually increase the danger by incentivizing hiding and lying. A good parental relationship is crucial for these teenagers as is a style of parenting that leans into their need to understand things in their own way and through their own experience. 

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Below is a list of typical signs that you or your teenager may be struggling with ADHD.