Navigating the teenage years can be challenging, especially for boys with ADHD. During this time, they’re not just dealing with the usual ups and downs of adolescence; they also have to manage the unique challenges that come with ADHD. From struggling to focus in class to dealing with impulsive behavior and emotional highs and lows, ADHD can affect almost every part of a teen boy’s life. The good news is that understanding the signs and symptoms of ADHD and knowing what treatments are available can make a big difference in helping your teen thrive.
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What Is ADHD?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person pays attention, controls their impulses, and manages their energy levels. It’s a common disorder, with about 7 million children in the U.S. aged 3 to 17 having been diagnosed.1 There are three types of ADHD; inattentive ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, and combined ADHD. Each type affects people differently, but all can make everyday tasks more challenging.2
ADHD Symptoms in Teen Boys
A teenage boy with ADHD can act in many different ways, depending on the type of ADHD he has. Common symptoms include difficulty paying attention to details or a conversation, not being able to sit still for long periods when expected, and talking too much or interrupting others. Unfortunately, these symptoms may negatively affect their relationships, as well as their motivation to reach significant goals.
Common ADHD symptoms in teenage boys include:
- Chronic procrastination: Teens with ADHD struggle with chronic procrastination. Because of ADHD dopamine deficiencies, they dislike boring activities, which can explain why starting a house chore or homework assignment takes too long. Any tasks that demand mental effort are also boring for them.
- Impulsivity: Teens with ADHD, particularly the hyperactive-impulsive type, may struggle with ADHD-induced impulsivity. This might look like interrupting conversations, having trouble waiting their turn, or engaging in risky behaviors like speeding, unsafe sex, or impulse buying. These actions often happen on the spur of the moment without considering the consequences.
- Making careless mistakes: It is common for teens with ADHD to make simple mistakes, like misspelling words or filling out forms incorrectly. This often happens because they get easily distracted and don’t pay attention to the details.
- Restlessness or fidgeting: Teens with ADHD often feel restless or have difficulty sitting still. They may frequently fidget, tap their feet, or move around more than others their age.
- Difficulty following instructions: When a task requires multiple steps, such as “clean your room, then do your homework, and finally take out the trash,” a teen with ADHD might start the first task but quickly become distracted.
- Sensitivity to criticism: Teens with ADHD might struggle with rejection sensitivity dysphoria, making them more sensitive to criticism or rejection. This can lead to anxiety or depressive symptoms.
- Unable to stick with long tasks: Teens with ADHD often struggle to stick with lengthy or complex tasks. They may lose track of time (a term known as “time blindness“) and find it hard to manage their schedule or complete tasks that take longer to finish.
- Lack of organization: Teens with ADHD often have trouble keeping things organized. They might leave their belongings scattered around, forget about assignments, or even neglect personal hygiene. This happens because ADHD affects their ability to plan and manage tasks effectively, a challenge known as ADHD executive dysfunction.
- Emotional dysregulation: Teens with ADHD can have difficulty managing their emotions. They might become irritable, angry, or defiant more easily than other teens. The emotional ups and downs of adolescence can be even more intense for those with ADHD, leading to frequent emotional outbursts or ADHD mood swings.
- Forgetfulness: If a teen frequently forgets things, like homework, appointments, or even daily routines, it could be due to ADHD. ADHD can impact a person’s short-term memory, leading to increased forgetfulness.
- Hyperfocus: While ADHD is typically associated with a lack of focus, some teens may experience periods of “hyperfocus,” where they become intensely absorbed in an activity or topic of interest, sometimes to the detriment of other responsibilities.
- Sleep problems: Many teens with ADHD have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. They may also struggle to wake up in the morning, which can exacerbate other symptoms.
- Unable to read social cues: In social situations, teens with ADHD might struggle to pick up on the unspoken cues that others give through facial expressions, body language, or tone of voice. This can make social interactions more challenging and sometimes lead to misunderstandings.
- Frequent daydreaming: While often associated with inattentive ADHD, frequent daydreaming or “zoning out” can be a symptom where a teen is physically present but mentally elsewhere.
Do ADHD Symptoms in Teens Get Worse During Puberty?
As teens go through puberty, they experience fluctuations in hormones like estrogen and testosterone, which can impact brain function and emotional regulation. Research has shown that these hormonal shifts can exacerbate common ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity, making them more intense or harder to manage.3
Additionally, developmental changes in the brain during puberty, particularly in areas related to executive functioning, can contribute to increased difficulties with planning, organizing, and regulating emotions.4 Teens may also face new challenges during this time, like more demanding schoolwork and shifting social dynamics, all of which can make ADHD symptoms more pronounced.5
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How Does ADHD Affect Teen Boys in Their Daily Life?
ADHD can impact teen boys in different ways, whether they’re at school, spending time with friends, or at home. In school, they might find it challenging to stay organized, remember assignments, or turn in homework on time, which can make keeping up with grades harder, even when they understand the material. With friends, teen boys with ADHD may have a tougher time maintaining friendships. They might miss social cues or act impulsively, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or conflicts. These difficulties aren’t about a lack of interest in friendships but rather the way ADHD affects their behavior and interactions.
At home, you may notice that your teen with ADHD has a hard time keeping their space clean or organized and difficulty in completing tasks, especially tasks involving multiple steps. Emotional dysregulation is often present in ADHD as well, which can come in the form of anger outbursts, irritability, or mood swings. You may notice that your teen is restless or fidgety and has a hard time sitting still. Difficulties with sleep occur frequently with ADHD as well, leading your teen with ADHD to stay up late at night, oversleep, or have a difficult time getting up in the morning.
What Are the Greatest Risks Facing Teen Boys with ADHD?
The teenage years can be tricky for anyone, but for boys with ADHD, there are some extra risks to watch out for. Impulsivity and difficulty with emotional regulation can become even more intense during adolescence, which might lead to behavioral problems at school or even legal issues if they make risky choices.6
There’s also a higher chance of getting involved in substance use or engaging in unsafe sexual practices due to impulsive behavior. Struggling in school, like failing exams or classes, can have long-term effects, like limiting options for college or starting a career. Plus, inattention and distractibility can make driving with ADHD more dangerous, increasing the risk of accidents.
Key challenges and risks for teen boys with ADHD include:
- Higher rates of failed exams and achievement tests
- Increased likelihood of getting bullied or bullying others
- Higher rates of other co-occurring mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety
- Frequent outbursts of anger
- Increased risk of car accidents
- Higher rates of substance abuse
- More likely to get suspended for disruptive behavior
- Higher levels of suicidal ideation
- More likely to engage in unprotected sex
- Legal issues due to risky or impulsive behaviors
When to Seek Professional Support
If your teen’s ADHD symptoms are significantly affecting his daily life, such as his performance in school, relationships with family and friends, or overall emotional well-being, it might be time to seek help. A professional can offer a proper diagnosis, provide strategies to manage symptoms and suggest treatments or therapies that can help your teen thrive.
To find support, start by consulting your child’s primary care physician or a pediatrician, who can provide an initial evaluation and refer you to specialists if needed. You can also explore online ADHD treatment services like ADHD Online, which offers convenient virtual assessments and personalized treatment plans. If you want to explore ADHD medication, Brightline focuses on medication management for teens and provides therapy that supports both parents and children, helping families navigate the challenges of ADHD together. Additionally, Teen Counseling connects your adolescent with licensed therapists via secure online sessions.
How Is ADHD in Teen Boys Diagnosed?
Diagnosing ADHD in teen boys is a thorough process that looks at different areas of their behavior and how they function in daily life. The first step includes gathering detailed information from his parents and teachers about how he behaves in various settings, such as at home, in school, and with friends. The mental health professional will also sit down with the teen for a detailed conversation to get a sense of how his symptoms might be affecting his day-to-day life. They’ll also look at his medical history to make sure there aren’t any other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms.
According to the DSM-5 Criteria for ADHD, a typical diagnosis of ADHD in teen boys includes at least six symptoms of ADHD at the age of 16 or five or more at the age of 17. These symptoms should be present for at least six months.
Inattentive ADHD Diagnosis
To receive a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD, a teen boy must display at least 5-6 of the following symptoms:
- Doesn’t pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school and other activities.
- Has trouble holding their attention
- Doesn’t seem to listen when spoken to directly
- Doesn’t follow through on instructions and fails to complete tasks
- Has trouble organizing tasks
- Dislikes or is hesitant to do tasks that demand mental effort for long periods
- Loses things that are needed for important tasks, such as school materials
- Gets easily distracted
- Is always forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD Diagnosis
To receive a diagnosis of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, a teen boy must display at least 5-6 of the following symptoms:
- Often fidgets or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat
- Leaves seat in situations when staying seated is expected
- Unable to participate in leisure activities quietly
- Always on the go
- Often talks excessively
- Often says their answer before the question has been completed
- Often has trouble waiting for their turn
- Often interrupts the conversation or activity of others
Comorbid Conditions in Teen Boys with ADHD
Teen boys with ADHD often face more than just the core symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. It’s common for them to experience other conditions at the same time, which can add to the challenges they’re already dealing with. For example, anxiety and depression frequently occur alongside ADHD, making it harder for them to focus or stay motivated.7 Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is another condition that often coexists with ADHD, leading to more conflicts at home or in school because of difficulties with authority and following rules.8 Substance use can also become a concern, particularly when teens are trying to manage their symptoms or fit in with peers.9
Treatment for ADHD in Teen Boys
When it comes to treating ADHD in teen boys, medication is often one of the first steps. There are two main types: stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications. These can be very effective in helping to manage symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, medication is often just one part of the treatment plan.
Many professionals also recommend combining medication with therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). A therapist might offer practical strategies to manage schoolwork, like writing down assignments, creating a dedicated workspace, or using the Pomodoro Technique for ADHD. This combined approach can significantly enhance overall functioning and well-being.10
Therapy for ADHD in Teen Boys
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT for ADHD is a well-established treatment that focuses on helping your teen improve essential life skills like time and task management. Additionally, CBT helps them identify any negative or unrealistic thoughts that may be contributing to their challenges and teaches them how to replace those thoughts with more realistic and positive ones. This can lead to better decision-making and more effective coping strategies.
- Contingency management (CM): CM is a behavioral therapy that involves providing immediate rewards for good behavior, which can be very effective for teens with ADHD. For example, you might allow your teen to call a friend or watch their favorite TV show once they finish their homework. This approach helps reinforce positive behaviors by linking them to rewards, making it more likely that your teen will repeat these behaviors in the future.
- Family therapy: Family therapy is a collaborative approach helps create a structured environment that supports your teen’s development and makes it easier for them to manage their ADHD symptoms. In this therapy, parents learn how to set clear limits, establish consistent rules and routines, and use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
- Social skills training: For teens who struggle with social interactions, social skills training can be very important. This therapy helps them learn how to navigate social situations, understand social cues, and build meaningful relationships. Developing these skills is crucial for their overall well-being and self-esteem.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is especially useful for teenage boys who struggle with impulsivity, low self-esteem, and emotional control. This therapy provides your teen with tools to manage intense emotions and reduce impulsive behaviors.
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How to Parent a Teen Boy With ADHD
Parenting a teen boy with ADHD can be challenging because on top of the usual teenage struggles, ADHD symptoms add an extra layer of difficulty. As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your teen navigate these challenges and find success. By learning as much as you can about ADHD, you can develop practical strategies to support your teen while also taking care of yourself.
Free Parenting Worksheets
Here are thirteen ways to support a teenage boy with ADHD:
- Educate yourself and your teen about ADHD: Understanding ADHD is crucial for both you and your teenager. Psychoeducation helps your teen adhere to treatment by providing him with comprehensive information about his condition, which can also help reduce any internalized stigma he may be experiencing.
- Set clear boundaries: Begin by establishing one clear boundary at a time. For example, encourage your teenager to express his frustrations openly, but make it clear that swearing or aggressive behavior, such as hitting objects or people, is unacceptable. Consistency is key in reinforcing these limits.
- Promote healthy habits: Help your teenager develop healthy habits such as taking regular breaks during tasks, eating nutritious foods, and getting sufficient sleep. These habits can significantly impact his overall well-being and ability to manage ADHD symptoms.
- Communicate rules positively: Focus on solutions rather than problems when discussing rules. For instance, when reminding him to fasten his seatbelt or stick to a consistent bedtime, explain the positive outcomes, such as safety and better rest, rather than simply stating the rule.
- Prioritize daily connection: Dedicate time each day to connect with your teen. Regular conversations help you stay informed about his life and strengthen your relationship. Use open-ended questions to encourage him to share what’s on his mind.
- Encourage physical exercise: Unless there are physical limitations, promote exercise as part of his routine. Exercise can help decrease ADHD symptoms by improving mood, enhancing focus, reducing impulsivity, and boosting overall cognitive function.
- Practice patience and compassion: Remind yourself that managing ADHD is a process that requires patience. Approach challenges with empathy, recognizing that your teen may be struggling with things beyond their control. Celebrating small victories and showing compassion can make a significant difference in their confidence and resilience.
- Collaborate with his teacher: Work closely with your child’s teacher to create a supportive learning environment. ADHD is considered a learning disability, and school accommodations, often provided through a Section 504 Plan, can help your teenager succeed academically by addressing his specific needs.
- Communicate with his healthcare providers: Keep your child’s psychiatrist or family doctor informed about any changes in his symptoms or behavior. Regular check-ins are essential, and you should contact them immediately if you notice any worsening of symptoms.
- Develop his organizational skills: Help your teenager develop practical organizational skills, such as using the Pomodoro technique for ADHD, setting reminders, or using apps such as Inflow to stay productive. These tools can be crucial in helping them manage their time and responsibilities more effectively.
- Monitor and adjust treatment plans: ADHD treatment often requires ongoing adjustments. Work closely with healthcare providers to regularly review and, if necessary, modify treatment plans, whether they involve medication, therapy, or other interventions. Ensuring the treatment remains effective and appropriate as your teen grows is essential.
- Encourage creative outlets: ADHD can come with heightened creativity and energy. Encourage your teen to explore creative outlets such as art, music, or writing, which can serve as positive ways to express themselves and channel their energy.
- Support social skills and self-awareness: Because ADHD symptoms can strain their relationships, it’s essential for teen boys to be self-aware that what they’re doing may hurt the feelings of others. Teach your teen strategies to improve their relationships, such as showing interest in others, being aware of their own emotions (especially when they receive criticism or feel ignored), and making others feel important.
In My Experience
“Teen boys who receive a multimodal treatment approach have the best outcomes. I find that combining medication and behavior therapy leads to significantly better outcomes than either medication or behavior therapy on their own. Furthermore, boys who enter therapy tend to do much better when they have external support from their parents and school. Some parents bring their ADHD teen to therapy wanting the therapist to “fix” their child. However, the child isn’t broken. They have a neurobiological condition that usually can’t be improved with therapy alone, and the best outcomes typically involve therapy, contingency management plans, and school cooperation.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is ADHD Different in Teen Boys Vs. Girls?
Between a male and a female adolescent with ADHD, it helps to remember that males have a more “external” presentation, while females have a more “internal” presentation.11 A teenage boy is likelier to break the rules and show aggressive behavior, whereas a teenage girl displays inattentiveness, shyness, daydreaming, and a lack of motivation.
When it comes to diagnosing ADHD in teen boys, there’s a higher chance for them receiving a hyperactive-impulsive or combined type diagnosis. On the other hand, girls with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed as the inattentive type. ADHD is often underdiagnosed in females because their symptoms are not hyper, so they may not understand why they’re struggling and even blame themselves.
Do ADHD Teenagers Settle Down?
Whether or not teenagers with ADHD “settle down” really depends on the individual, but it’s common for symptoms to decrease as they get older. This can happen for a few reasons—getting through the hormonal rollercoaster of puberty, learning better coping skills to manage their symptoms, growing more mature, or having a strong support system in place. Everyone’s journey with ADHD is different, but many find that things get easier with time and the right strategies.
ADHD in Teen Boys Infographics
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Data and Statistics About ADHD | CDC. (2022, June 8). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
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Rucklidge, J. J. (2010). Gender Differences in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 33(2), 357–373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2010.01.006
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Arnold, L. E., Strobel, J., Weissenberger, S., Krieg, E., & Metts, A. (2020). ADHD, hormones, and puberty: A complex interplay. Journal of Attention Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054720956107
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Giedd, J. N. (2008). The teen brain: Insights from neuroimaging. Journal of Adolescent Health, 42(4), 335-343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2008.01.007
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Ramsay, J. R., & Rostain, A. L. (2015). The adult ADHD toolkit: Using CBT to facilitate coping inside and out. Routledge.
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Duke, S., Balzer, B. W., & Steinbeck, K. (2014). Testosterone and Its Effects on Human Male Adolescent Mood and Behavior: A Systematic Review. Journal of Adolescent Health, 55(3), 315–322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2014.05.007
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Katzman, M. A., Bilkey, T. S., Chokka, P. R., Fallu, A., & Klassen, L. J. (2017). Adult ADHD and comorbid disorders: clinical implications of a dimensional approach. BMC psychiatry, 17(1), 302. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1463-3
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Nijmeijer, J. S., Minderaa, R. B., Buitelaar, J. K., Mulligan, A., Hartman, C. A., & Hoekstra, P. J. (2008). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and social dysfunctioning. Clinical Psychology Review, 28(4), 692-708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2007.10.003
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Sibley, M. H., Pelham, W. E., Molina, B. S., Gnagy, E. M., Waschbusch, D. A., Biswas, A., … & Karch, K. M. (2014). The delinquency outcomes of boys with ADHD with and without comorbidity. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 42(2), 337-349. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-013-9783-8
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Sprich, S., Burbridge, J. A., Lerner, J., & Safren, S. A. (2015). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for ADHD in Adolescents: Clinical Considerations and a Case Series. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 22(2), 116–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2015.01.001
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Skogli, E. W., Teicher, M. H., Andersen, P. K., Hovik, K. T., & Øie, M. G. (2013). ADHD in girls and boys – gender differences in co-existing symptoms and executive function measures. BMC Psychiatry, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244x-13-298
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Michael Vallejo, LCSW (No Change)
Reviewer: Rajy Abulhosn, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Revised section titled “What Are the Greatest Risks Facing Teen Boys with ADHD?” Added sections titled “Do ADHD Symptoms in Teens Get Worse During Puberty?” “How Does ADHD Affect Teen Boys in Their Daily Life?” and “Do ADHD Teenagers Settle Down?” New content written by Elizabeth Yoak, LMHC, and medically reviewed by Kristen Fuller, MD. Fact-checked and edited for improved readability and clarity.
Author: Michael Vallejo, LCSW
Reviewer: Rajy Abulhosn, MD
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