For any individual, becoming a teenager is a difficult time. Our metabolic rate changes, we experience growth spurts, our reproduction organs develop and our hormones affect our mood. However, this can be an even more difficult time for individuals with ADHD.
The hormones we produce during puberty can affect someone’s ADHD symptoms including increased moodiness, irritability, and less ability to focus. During growth spurts, some additional body weight may be gained and consequently increase in medication may be necessary. This tends to be helpful for teenage boys but less so for girls. Remember to always contact your specialist for advice regarding medication adjustments.
Stephen Hinshaw studied girls with ADHD and found that teenage girls with ADHD tended to have more academic problems, more aggressive behaviour, and earlier signs of substance abuse compared to their peers. This may explain why some girls with ADHD find that during their teenage years their medication is not as effective. Furthermore, unlike boys with ADHD who would act out, girls with ADHD would often internalise their problems and consequently be overlooked.
It is important that teenagers with ADHD are aware of the additional difficulties that they may face. They should discuss this with their family and specialist to work together and learn ways of dealing with these difficulties.
