Helping A Teen With ADHD Pursue Their Goals: How To Motivate A Teenager With ADHD
People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can experience significant challenges related to their ability to establish objectives, organize tasks, and otherwise engage in goal-directed behavior. Teenagers, who may already struggle with self-efficacy, can be particularly impacted by a lack of motivation, organization, or focus caused by ADHD. If you’re a parent or caregiver looking for ways to encourage your teen as they navigate ADHD, there are several strategies to consider. Here, we’re providing an overview of ADHD, discussing how it can affect adolescents, and outlining tips for motivating and supporting teenagers living with the disorder.
An overview of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder marked by distractibility, overactivity, and/or impulsivity. ADHD symptoms can impact a person’s ability to function as well as their mental and physical well-being, relationships, and professional/academic life. ADHD usually first manifests during childhood—before the age of 12—with symptoms often persisting through adolescence and into adulthood.
ADHD affects an estimated 8% of children and adolescents globally. The disorder can also co-occur with various mental health conditions and other developmental disorders. Anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and autism spectrum disorder are common comorbidities.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
The causes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in teens
While the exact cause of ADHD is unknown, several factors are thought to contribute to its development. Genetics are considered a primary contributor, with twin studies suggesting that ADHD often runs in families. Abnormalities in the structure and function of the brain have also been linked to the disorder. Additionally, various environmental risk factors, such as exposure to certain toxins, may increase the likelihood that an individual will develop ADHD.
Symptoms of ADHD in teens
There are three presentations of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These include the primarily inattentive type, the primarily hyperactive/impulsive type, and the combined type.
Inattentive type
The inattentive subtype of ADHD is characterized by symptoms such as:
- Distractibility
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Trouble paying attention to details
- Disorganization
- Misplacing or losing possessions
- Avoidance of tasks that require sustained focus
Hyperactive/impulsive type
The hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD is characterized by symptoms like:
- Overactivity during inappropriate situations
- Trouble sitting still
- Difficulty engaging in leisure or play activities quietly
- Appearance of being “driven by a motor”
- Interjecting when others are speaking
- Trouble waiting their turn
- Excessive talking
Combined type
The combined subtype of ADHD is characterized by symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD. Combined type ADHD is thought to be the most common presentation of this form of neurodivergence.
How ADHD can affect a teen’s motivation
As they navigate the path to adulthood, most teens experience challenges that can impact their drive to succeed. For example, adolescents typically undergo many physical changes, such as growing bodies and an influx of hormones. They also are given greater independence and increased responsibilities, which can be stressful. Additionally, teens are often tasked with orienting toward a future life path, which can involve substantial amounts of pressure.
All of these challenges of adolescence can make it hard for teens to stay motivated—and they can be exacerbated by the symptoms of ADHD. Research suggests that teens with ADHD struggle more with academic functioning than their same-aged peers, which may be at least partially due to the fact that school settings are often designed for neurotypical children. Further, there is evidence that a lack of motivation caused by ADHD can contribute to challenges at school. In one study, researchers indicate that teens with ADHD may be less likely to set goals or prioritize academics.
Executive dysfunction and motivation in a teen with ADHD
A primary feature of ADHD is impairment in executive function, which is a group of cognitive operations that help us engage in goal-directed behavior. Executive dysfunction can affect a teen’s ability to organize, set objectives, and self-regulate.
Teenagers who experience executive dysfunction might have trouble maintaining a regular schedule, organizing their schoolwork, and staying focused on assignments. They may also become more easily frustrated when they encounter an obstacle, causing them to abandon a task or move on to a different project. Cognitive challenges might have started to affect a teen in elementary or middle school. By high school, they may have reduced self-esteem—particularly if they did not receive support for their symptoms—which can lead to negative emotions and trouble with self-motivation.
Additionally, deficits in executive function may help explain why certain comorbidities are common in those with ADHD. For example, research suggests that executive dysfunction is a primary contributor to anxiety in adolescents with ADHD. Impairments in executive function have also been linked to depressive symptoms in teenagers with the disorder. These comorbid mental health challenges may compound difficulty with motivation.
How to motivate a teenager with ADHD
As they become young adults, teens will typically need to begin setting goals for themselves and consistently working toward them in order to learn to support themselves and succeed at school or work. Self-motivation can be crucial to an adolescent’s ability to succeed, but external motivation can also help provide direction and encouragement. If you’re trying to motivate your teen, the following tips may be useful.
Help your teenager set goals
Helping your teen establish objectives might help provide them with the direction and encouragement they may need. To do this, you could try walking them through the SMART method, which involves setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Because of the way the human brain is wired, achieving even moderate goals regularly can reinforce desired behavior, potentially leading to increased motivation.
Establish structure
Setting your teen up for success may also involve providing them with an organized environment, consistent routines, and clear rules. Teens with ADHD who regularly struggle to locate school supplies, important papers, or other possessions may become frustrated and unmotivated. Try to help your teen maintain an organized workspace, backpack, room, and closet.
You can also help your teen develop regular routines. This might involve time-blocking or other time-management strategies. It can also involve regular mealtimes, a consistent sleep schedule, and designated time for hobbies.
Additionally, creating systems in your child’s life that can discourage negative behaviors and encourage positive ones may help a teen with ADHD flourish. Try to set reasonable expectations and explain them to your teen. It can also be helpful to tie those expectations to immediate consequences, which can be more motivating for people with ADHD than delayed consequences.
Foster your teen’s interests
Fostering your teen’s interests can also enhance their self-efficacy through a healthy sense of self. When a teen has a more comprehensive self-perception, they may feel more confident in their abilities.
Incorporate healthy lifestyle changes into daily routines
There is evidence that certain lifestyle practices may help enhance cognition, emotional regulation, and other challenges that can affect motivation in adolescents with ADHD. For example, research suggests that physical activity may help improve executive function in young people with ADHD, which may lead to boosts in motivation. There is also evidence that mind-body practices, such as mindfulness, may improve symptoms of ADHD in teens. You can also help your teen get plenty of high-quality sleep, ensure they eat nutrient-dense foods often, and place limits on potential distractions (e.g., social media).
Treatment for ADHD
Treatment for ADHD typically involves medication and psychotherapy. If you believe you or your teen may be living with ADHD, a healthcare professional can provide a screening and, if necessary, develop a treatment plan.
Medication
Prescription medications are often used to help adolescents with ADHD focus, regulate their emotions, and stay motivated. Stimulant and non-stimulant medications are commonly prescribed. Always consult with a healthcare provider prior to starting, changing, or stopping any medication.
Mental health therapy
A therapist can provide emotional support to a teen with ADHD while also helping them develop healthy coping mechanisms and better understand their symptoms. A common form of psychotherapy that may be employed to address motivation challenges is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help participants identify and replace negative thought patterns that may be contributing to their symptoms.
Through CBT, a teen may come to realize that irrational beliefs about academic performance are affecting their ability to self-motivate. For example, they may engage in black-and-white thinking—a common cognitive distortion in those with ADHD—which causes them to believe that one poor test grade is indicative of overall failure. In this case, a therapist may encourage the teen to seek evidence to the contrary, such as proof that they’ve performed well on other exams, projects, or subjects. This may lead to a more constructive thought process and increased self-efficacy.
How an online therapist can provide support to a teen with ADHD
If you’re a busy parent or teen, scheduling and attending in-person therapy sessions may be difficult. Online therapy is a flexible and often more convenient method of participating in therapy for ADHD, parenting stressors, or related challenges.
Learn how to motivate a teenager with ADHD in online therapy
Utilizing an online therapy platform like BetterHelp (for adults) or TeenCounseling (for teens age 13–19), you or your teen will be matched with a licensed therapist from a large pool of mental health professionals, increasing the chances that you’ll connect with someone who can address your specific concerns. Additionally, the flexible scheduling of online therapy allows you to participate in sessions from home at times that work for you.
The efficacy of mental health care through online therapy
Research indicates that online therapy may help parents increase the self-efficacy of teens with ADHD. For example, in one study, researchers suggest that online parent-teen therapy can lead to positive outcomes in key areas, including “adolescent motivation to meet goals.” According to the study, participants reported improvements in organization, time management, and planning.
Takeaway
Is lack of motivation a symptom of ADHD?
A lack of motivation may be a symptom of ADHD in some teens, according to Margaret H. Sibley, Ph.D., who serves as an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children’s Research Institute. A lack of motivation may accompany problems with inattention, hyperactivity, low self-control, and challenges with working memory.
What is the best ADHD medication for motivation?
The best ADHD medication may depend on a person’s overall constellation of symptoms—not just lack of motivation. A doctor may prescribe stimulations to help with attention and motivation.
Will ADHD get better with age?
Some children outgrow their ADHD symptoms with age into adulthood. However, many other adults still have symptoms, although they may be less severe. The long-term consequences may depend on each individual case and whether or not a person receives treatment. Treatment may help with problem-solving, decision-making, and specific skills required for school or work.
Why is parenting an ADHD child hard?
Parenting an ADHD child can be challenging for a number of reasons. Parents may experience difficulty trying to help their child remain focused on tasks. They may worry about their child’s academic functioning and social relationships, not knowing how to help while helping them work independently.
How do you empower a child with ADHD?
You may find that a child with ADHD feels empowered if you provide praise on a regular basis. You might consider providing external rewards for task completion and positive behaviors. You might also empower a child by breaking tasks down into smaller objectives, which may help with completing homework assignments.
What age is hardest for ADHD?
One of the hardest ages for ADHD may be the years from middle school to early high school. At this stage, students may not have the option to choose many of their courses at school. They may have to juggle many different tasks and assignments regardless of whether they suit their interests. This may be accompanied by difficulty with self-regulation in class and in social settings.
What are the 5 C's of ADHD parenting?
Some mental health experts suggest the following 5 C’s of ADHD parenting:
· Self-Control
· Compassion
· Collaboration
· Consistency
· Celebration
How does yelling affect ADHD?
Yelling may make a teen with ADHD feel embarrassed. ADHD involves a type of neurodivergence. Children and teens may be doing their best to pay attention and focus on their homework assignments, but this typically isn’t a matter of willpower. Yelling typically doesn’t help them improve. Instead, supporting teens with ADHD by providing regular breaks and celebrating success may help them improve significantly.
How do you make an ADHD child happy?
One strategy to help a child with ADHD is to ensure they have plenty of opportunities for physical activity. Extracurricular activities that allow for movement may help improve mood in children living with ADHD.
How do you fix ADHD lack of motivation?
A lack of motivation from ADHD may be addressed with a combination of medication and talk therapy. The right medication may depend on the overall set of symptoms a teen experiences. Also, you might be able to motivate teens living with ADHD by celebrating academic success.
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