Effects of ADHD on the Adolescent Mind: Cognitive Differences

Navigating teenage years can be challenging because of major changes occurring in the brain as it develops, but for adolescents with ADHD, these problems are often amplified. ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by:  “...an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. Symptoms of ADHD can interfere with daily activities and relationships. It  begins in childhood and can continue into the teen years and adulthood” (NIH)  It affects a significant number of teenagers. Understanding the effects of ADHD on the adolescent mind and the resulting cognitive differences is crucial for parents, educators, and the teens themselves. In this article, we will delve into how ADHD impacts cognitive functions during these formative years. 

According to the Center for Control and Disease Prevention (CDC), approximately 11.3 percent of children and adolescents have been diagnosed with ADHD. This means that in any given classroom, several students may be struggling  with the unique cognitive challenges that come with the condition. This issue lacks sufficient attention and effective implementation of tangible support measures necessary to ensure that adolescents with ADHD reach their full potential. Some of these symptoms can make it harder for adolescents to go through school work. This  mental condition can cause individual  problems with socializing, a lack of confidence and extreme decline in self esteem, which  can potentially lead to depression according to NIH which estimates that 20 to 30% of people with ADHD will also have Major Depression. 

Teens with ADHD are more prone to substance and alcohol abuse. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, impulse control, and attention regulation, tends to be smaller and less active in individuals with ADHD. This underactivity paired with the natural process of brain development during adolescence can impair their ability to weigh consequences and control impulsive actions, which can lead to drug use starting from an early age.  This increases significantly when conduct disorders are paired with ADHD, according to the National Library of Medicine (2019). 

ADHD symptoms can change over time as a child grows and moves into the preteen and teenage years. In young children with ADHD, hyperactivity and  impulsivity  are the most common symptoms. A 2015 article by the NIH suggests that differences in the brain region known as the thalamus may contribute to ADHD impulsivity. The thalamus sends messages to the prefrontal cortex, which is the region responsible for executive function. When this message signaling doesn’t work properly, executive functions, such as impulse control, can lag. Another symptom that can be challenging to manage is inattention. In ADHD brains  the connections between neural networks are underdeveloped and weak, which means The signal to ignore distraction and refocus is lost and the person with ADHD keeps playing or zoning out with no reminder to reset, according to the same article by NIH.

As academic and social demands increase, symptoms of inattention become more prominent and begin to interfere with academic performance and peer relationships, as a study concluded by Texas University about ADHD in college students in 2021. In adolescence, hyperactivity often becomes less severe and may appear as restlessness or fidgeting. Symptoms of inattention and impulsivity typically continue and may cause worsening academic, organizational, and relationship challenges. Teens with ADHD also are more likely to engage in impulsive, risky behaviors, including unsafe sexual activity.

Adolescents with ADHD may experience heightened emotional responses to stressors such as academic deadlines, social conflicts, or changes in routine. One common challenge is the tendency to become easily frustrated or overwhelmed when faced with academic tasks that require sustained attention and effort. This is because Impaired executive functioning makes it hard to organize and maintain focus, while dopamine dysregulation leads to a constant search for immediate rewards. Working memory deficits hinder the ability to keep track of details, and emotional dysregulation causes intense reactions to frustration or boredom. This frustration can lead to feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt, further exacerbating academic difficulties.

Moreover, difficulties in emotional regulation can impact social interactions and relationships with peers. Adolescents with ADHD may struggle to control impulsive behaviors or react impulsively to perceived slights or criticism, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts with others. A study conducted in the UK, led by Chairperson and co-founder of ADHD UK, Henry Shelford,  found that individuals with ADHD are not only more prone to impulsive behavior, but also have difficulty regulating complex emotions. “Recent research shows people with ADHD are 5 times more likely than those without to have attempted suicide (14% vs 2.7%). ​​

In conclusion, ADHD impacts attention, academics, and social lives. But despite the challenges, there’s hope. By understanding our ADHD and learning how to manage it, we can take charge of our education and future success. Effective treatment options, including medication and therapy, play a crucial role in managing ADHD. Medications, such as stimulants and non-stimulants, can help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Therapy, including behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and social skills training, can provide strategies to cope with challenges, improve organizational skills, and enhance social interactions. With the right support and strategies, individuals with ADHD can achieve their full potential.

Works Cited

1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder in children and Teens: What you need to know. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-in-children-and-teens-what-you-need-to-know

2. University of Glasgow - University news - Archive of news - 2022 - September - New Study to Understand the Relationship Between ADHD and Suicide Risk. (n.d.). https://www.gla.ac.uk/news/archiveofnews/2022/september/headline_881944_en.html#:~:text=Henry%20Shelford%2C%20Chairperson%20and%20co,four%20for%20women%20with%20ADHD

3. ADHD in teens. (2023, July 20). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/adhd-teens

4. ADHD and Substance Abuse. (2004). Psychiatric Times, 21(10), 11. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A122871107/AONE?u=fl_dade&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=d3ca06a0

5. ADHD and Substance Abuse. (2004). Psychiatric Times, 21(10), 11. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A122871107/AONE?u=fl_dade&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=d3ca06a0

6. Lf-Apa, W. D. M. (2024, April 7). The ADHD – Depression Link: Symptom Parallels and distinctions. ADDitude. https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-depression-link-symptoms-diagnosis-treatments/#:~:text=As%20such%2C%20the%20symptoms%20and,type%201%20depressive%20mood%20phases.

7. Lovering, N. (2023, May 22). Understanding impulsivity in adults and children with ADHD. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-impulsivity#:~:text=ADHD%20can%20interfere%20with%20a,may%20contribute%20to%20ADHD%20impulsivity.

Written by: Deborah Jackson