According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 1 in 10 American adolescents aged 13 to 18 years old have been diagnosed with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). And about half of those diagnosed showed signs of severe impairment according to the standards set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Based on these statistics, it is easy to see that your teenager is not the only one dealing with the challenges associated with ADHD. At Suffolk Counseling Services, many of our licensed therapists specialize in working with teens who have ADHD and help them overcome these challenges so they can reach their full potential.
Counseling for Teens with ADHD
Does My Teen Have ADHD?
The therapists at Suffolk Counseling Services are certified to clinically diagnose ADHD in teens; however, there are several telltale signs you may notice on your own.
Potential Signs of ADHD
- Easily distracted
- Forgetfulness
- Fidgeting
- Impulsive decision making
- Difficulty completing tasks
- General disorganization
- Heightened emotions
- Poor concentration abilities
It is important to note that while a teenager may exhibit one or more of the above symptoms, he or she is still likely to excel at certain tasks or activities. So, although you may have noticed that your teen outperforms others in certain areas, an ADHD diagnosis is not out of the question. On the other hand, a teenager may exhibit some of these symptoms and not have ADHD. This is why we recommend getting a professional diagnosis if you have reason to believe your teen may have ADHD.
We work with many trusted psychiatrists and other medical professionals; so, we are more than happy to collaborate with your teen’s current doctor or provide you with a list of trusted specialists in your area if needed.
How Can Suffolk Counseling Services Help?
At Suffolk Counseling Services, our therapists take a personalized, down-to-earth approach with all of our clients. The first few counseling sessions are usually spent getting to know the client, building a genuine sense of trust and familiarity that enables him or her to open up emotionally without feeling judged or looked down upon. Then we begin to learn about their unique struggles and the specific aspects they do and do not like about how they perform at tasks on a daily basis. Once we understand the distinct challenges he or she is dealing with, we use physiological and cognitive behavioral strategies to help work through those issues.
Knowing Is Half the Battle
Understanding the science behind ADHD provides you with a powerful tool in overcoming its symptoms; therefore, our therapists explain the facts pertaining to what is actually happening within the brain that causes ADHD and the challenges associated with it. Simply put, symptoms of ADHD occur when your brainwaves are moving in patterns that prevent you from focusing on the task at hand. The brain is overproducing the two lower frequency brainwaves, known as theta and delta, which correlate to sleep and relaxation. And while sleep and relaxation are both necessary and healthy in the right doses, the overproduction of theta and delta waves make it harder to concentrate during situations that require you to. The therapists at Suffolk Counseling Services teach teenagers ways to retrain and learn new skills to manage their brain and help improve executive functioning, providing an easier way to navigate through life’s daily challenges.
