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ADHD is one of the most prevalent behavior disorder among children and teens. The disorder can be disruptive, which means that it interferes in one's normal functions everyday. It could seriously affect a teen's life from the way he relates to other people to his academic performance. Especially since the hormonal changes teens go through can aggravate the symptoms of ADHD.

Many symptoms of ADHD gets worse when left untreated and undiagnosed. Symptoms of ADHD in teenagers may vary because ADHD can come with different learning disabilities. Some teens have ADHD with depression, some with ODD (oppositional defiant disorder), some with anxiety, and so on.

Here are a few of the most common symptoms of ADHD in teenagers:

• Easily distracted
• Poor concentration
• Hyperactive
• Impulsive
• Forgetful
• Has difficulty focusing on or finishing one task
• Cannot concentrate
• Insomnia
• Irritable
• Emotional

The effects of ADHD on a teen's life
A lot of teens who suffer from ADHD (especially when untreated) have problems primarily in school. Since they have problems with concentrating, and even the smallest things distract them, it makes school work that much harder. It's not uncommon for ADHD students to be misunderstood and branded as stupid, lazy, or that they just don't care about anything. They may start off working on their homework and then completely forget about it (or where they placed it) just a few minutes after. They may talk out of turn, answer questions without waiting for the question to be finished, or have problems relating with their classmates because of their impulsivity and irritability.

Because teens have problems fitting in and doing well in school, they also often tend to try and win the approval of the wrong crowd. Because of their impulsivity, they can engage in dangerous activities just to please the wrong people. Many teens, especially those who have undiagnosed or untreated ADHD engage in dangerous activities and abuse substances because they say that it helps "take the edge off" or helps them manage the symptoms which they don't really understand. This is why teens with ADHD tend to be heavier drinkers than teens without ADHD, and they also tend to get into more trouble because of drinking.

ADHD is not curable, but there are a few things that parents can do to help teens with ADHD manage their symptoms. Here are a few suggestions:

• Visit a doctor to consult about medication.
• Make a clear, easy to understand, and easy to follow daily schedule.
• Help your teen find activities where he/she can excel at in order to build self-esteem
• Ask a doctor about what diet would be best for your teen.
• Work with your teen closely to help him/her monitor school projects, schedules, etc.
• Work with your teen's teachers in order to monitor his/her progress in school.
• When disciplining your teen, stay calm. ADHD teens can be emotional and arguments can take a bad turn with them if you become as emotional as they are.
• Make sure your teen gets plenty of sleep. It helps alleviate some symptoms.