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ADHD and Teens

Overview: 

Managing the High School Years

It's important to include your teen in his or her ADHD treatment

Up to 80% of children with ADHD need medication as teens

READ FULL ARTICLE 

Related links: Managing ADHD at Home   Managing ADHD at School   Treatment with CONCERTA®


ADHD and Teens

Managing the High School Years

It's important to include your teen in his or her ADHD treatment

Up to 80% of children with ADHD need medication as teens

In many cases, ADHD continues from childhood into adolescence. It's important for parents to recognize the challenges a teen with ADHD faces and help their teenager meet those challenges.

About 80% of children who need medication for ADHD still need it as teenagers. And some teens with ADHD may feel defined by the condition. They may think that it makes them "uncool." It's important to talk openly about ADHD so your teen understands that it's a medical condition that they need to treat, just like they would treat poor vision or diabetes.

As they enter high school, teens with ADHD may find staying organized and paying attention to classes more challenging than before. They may struggle with managing distractions that can interfere with focusing on increased workloads. A total treatment approach to managing ADHD may help. This kind of treatment includes both medication and behavior management programs.

Help your teen prioritize assignments, and make positive comments about his or her achievements. You can also help by meeting with your teen's teachers. Ask them to seat your teen near the front of the class and request that they give you frequent feedback on your teen's progress. Teachers may be able to suggest additional ways to help.

As teens with ADHD establish their individuality, relationships with friends and family can be bumpy.


CONCERTA® is a prescription product approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Talk to your healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Only a healthcare professional can decide whether medication is right for you or your child.

CONCERTA® should not be taken by patients who have: allergies to methylphenidate or other ingredients in CONCERTA® significant anxiety, tension, or agitation; glaucoma; tics, Tourette's syndrome, or family history of Tourette's syndrome; current or past use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); esophagus, stomach, or intestinal narrowing. Children under 6 years of age should not take CONCERTA®.

Abuse of methylphenidate may lead to dependence. Tell your healthcare professional if you or your child has had problems with alcohol or drugs; has had any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems; has had depression, abnormal thoughts or visions, bipolar disorder, or seizure. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if you or your child: develops abnormal thinking or hallucinations, abnormal or extreme moods and/or excessive activity; or if aggressive behavior or hostility develops or worsens while taking CONCERTA®. Your child's healthcare professional should check height and weight often and may interrupt CONCERTA® treatment if your child is not growing or gaining weight as expected.

Stimulants may impair the ability of the patient to operate potentially hazardous machinery or vehicles. Caution should be used accordingly until you are reasonably certain that CONCERTA® does not adversely affect your ability to engage in such activities.

The most common adverse reaction (>5%) reported in children and adolescents was upper abdominal pain. The most common adverse reactions (>10%) reported in adults were dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, headache, and insomnia.

CONCERTA® and OROS® are registered trademarks of ALZA Corporation

© Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved.

This site is published by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is solely responsible for its contents. This site and its contents are intended for USA audiences only.