| Here is your full article text: | Welcome Progress in the Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD in Adolescence
Contributed by: Terry Matlen, ACSW (Posted on 2003-09-24)
From Contemporary Pediatrics
Mark A. Stein, PhD, Martin Baren, MD
Abstract
The prognosis for teenagers with ADHD is better than ever, thanks to more effective therapies and greater understanding of how the disorder manifests itself in adolescence. Successful management hinges on an appropriate medication regimen combined with academic and behavioral interventions.
Introduction
It is now generally recognized that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often persists into adolescence. Childhood ADHD has a major impact on the child, family, and school; adolescent ADHD results in an even wider range of impairments. The consequences of untreated or minimally treated ADHD in adolescents places an increasing burden on schools, social service agencies, and the criminal justice system. The cumulative effect of poor social and academic functioning can result in disenfranchised youth with poor employment prospects who become involved in criminal activities, including drug-related activities, and are at risk of developing other psychiatric disorders.[1]
This pessimistic view is now being mitigated by a variety of new treatment options and increased awareness of ADHD. If managed appropriately, core symptoms can be reduced or normalized, reducing the negative impact of the disorder on adolescents, their families, and society. Effective management begins with an adequate diagnostic evaluation. However, because many primary care physicians and even mental health professionals are unfamiliar with the presentation of ADHD in teenagers, the diagnosis is often missed. [Editor's note: For an overview of the characteristics of ADHD in teenagers, see "ADHD in adolescents: Will you know it when you see it?" in the April 2002 issue.] This review considers the unique challenges of managing ADHD in adolescents and examines the roles of educational, behavioral, and pharmacologic treatments in addressing this persistent and destructive disorder.
Read more here: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/460591?mpid=18730&WebLogicSession=P3JTFaxFfJAfT7sHhFYVZqF3Pk2v52PzE0CiGHlQjC9wE6aR14mY|-3773782869599299264/184161394/6/7001/7001/7002/7002/7001/-1
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