Is She Just Being a Teenage Girl, or Does She Have ADHD?

What's happened to my daughter?

She was just a little girl and now she most certainly isn't.

You turned around for just a second and everything changed.

You're finding:

• Doors slam more than they used to
• She doesn't speak to you that much unless it's a grunt or other irritating noise
• When she's home she in her room
• She's either showering all the time or not at all
• There are more and more mood swings
• She thinks she can do everything herself and doesn't need you anymore - unless she needs money 
• Some of her friends are a bit iffy
• School work has taken a slide or become everything 
• Her phone is permanently attached to her
• She is not interested in her future but her future scares the hell out of you

'Normal' Teenage Behaviour

Teenage girls can be unpredictable, annoying, loud, quiet, moody - of course they can!

It is true that period of time brings change but it is really important to understand that not everything can be blamed on her "being a teenager". Not everything is "normal".

It's easy to say mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulty concentrating is just part of growing up. 

It's key to understand the difference between typical teenage behaviour and possible underlying issues, such as ADHD.

One condition that often giver looked in girls is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

ADHD can show up in different ways, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While often associated with boys, ADHD affects girls as well, just in different ways.

The symptoms of ADHD in girls can overlap with typical teenage behaviour, making it harder to spot.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. These are conditions that affect a child's brain development and functioning. They can affect how we learn, process emotions, and interact with others.

Girls often - but certainly not always - display more subtle signs than boys. Boys are diagnosed more easily because they show signs more obviously. 

What to look out for:

There's a fine line between ADHD and Teenage Behaviour

Your friend Laura has a teenage daughter. She talks to you one day, and tells you that her daughter gets angry very quickly. This has got much worse since she started her periods. She is verbally aggressive. She has been physically aggressive too. She has thrown things around when she has lost her temper. This is happening more and more. Her room is worse than a pigsty but she doesn't seem to care about the mess or smell. Laura has tried to help her tidy up but she is not interested. When the mess gets too much for her, she will spend hours and hours tidying up, forgetting to eat or drink during this time. She seems to measure herself against her friends. She hid away from her old friends because she didn't feel they liked her and she ended up isolating herself, so they've moved on. Her new friends are different and they seem far more mature than her. They openly vape and talk about drinking and going out a lot. She has been invited to a house party by them. Laura's daughter has always been active. She enjoys PE but only when she can compete against herself (running etc); team sports are a no-no. Recently Laura has noticed that her daughter either doesn't move for hours on end or she constantly fidgets. Taps her foot, drums her fingers. She is also biting her nails and picking at her fingers a lot.

What would you tell Laura to do?

What is the difference?

Distinguishing between ADHD symptoms and typical teenage behaviour can be hard.

Many of the challenges faced by teenagers with ADHD overlap with the normal ups and downs of adolescence. This can lead to confusion and uncertainty about whether or not to seek professional help.

For example, any forgetfulness could just be because they were busy mood swings are a normal part of hormonal changes or as a symptom of difficulty regulating emotions in ADHD.

The key in noticing:

1. Severity 
2. Frequency
3. Impact

So for your friend Laura, there are certainly some symptoms there that are growing in severity, which could means it's time to find help.

When to find help?

Consider asking a for help if:

• Persistent and severe symptoms: If symptoms are significantly impacting her daily life, school life, or family relationships
• Academic struggles: Consistent difficulties in school, such as falling grades, despite putting in effort
• Low self-esteem and social challenges: Persistent feelings of inadequacy or difficulty building and maintaining friendships
• Behavioural changes: Noticeable changes in behaviour, such as increased irritability, impulsivity, or withdrawal
• Concerns about her well-being: If you have a gut feeling that something isn't right, trust your instincts and seek professional advice

Don't ignore your gut instinct

Identifying and addressing ADHD as soon as possible can improve a child's life.

Children with ADHD can develop coping mechanisms, build self-esteem, and absolutely achieve their full potential.

Delaying a diagnosis and treatment can lead to increased challenges in school, relationships, and emotional well-being. Early intervention can help prevent this and empower your child to overcome obstacles.

Navigating the teenage years can be challenging for both parents/carers and teens. While it's normal for adolescents to exhibit mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing, it helps to be aware of the possibility of underlying conditions like ADHD.

Understanding the difference between typical teenage behaviour and ADHD symptoms helps in making informed decisions about your daughter's well-being. If you have concerns about your daughter's behaviour, don't hesitate to seek professional guidance.

Remember, you're not alone. Many parents face similar challenges. By seeking support, educating yourself, and building a strong support system, you can help your daughter thrive during this important developmental stage.