Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment for Teens 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a common neurodevelopmental condition that often initially presents in childhood or adolescence. Approximately 11.4% of those under the age of 18 have been diagnosed with ADHD. 

The primary features of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, all of which put unique pressures on a teen during vulnerable developmental periods. When ADHD co-occurs alongside anxiety, depression, substance use, or other issues that meet the level of medical necessity required for our residential level of care, Muir Wood’s can address the symptoms of ADHD. This allows teens to foster self-regulation skills, improve executive functioning, and navigate these co-occurring mental health challenges.

Signs a Teen with ADHD May Need Residential Treatment

The prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for impulse control—is still developing in teenagers. The teen years are a crucial time for identity exploration and boundary-pushing as part of healthy development. Teens may appear inattentive or impulsive as they navigate these normal processes. This can make identifying or diagnosing ADHD a complex process.

However, if any of these behaviors put teens at significant risk or prevent functioning in their usual daily routines, they may need more support than outpatient therapy can provide, particularly if the ADHD is present with other mental illnesses. A teen with ADHD may benefit from residential treatment if they are experiencing: 

• Co-occurring disorders: ADHD in the presence of more mental health issues like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, or substance use may indicate the need for a higher level of care. 
• Poor academic functioning: In teenagers, poor academic performance can be a key indicator of ADHD symptoms. Failing grades, school avoidance, or disciplinary actions are common side effects of having trouble focusing or following through on tasks. 
• Significant emotional dysregulation: Frequent frustration, anxiety, or mood swings make daily functioning difficult. If these lead to outbursts or withdrawal, teens may need specialized support.
• Unusual conflict in relationships: Teens may need treatment if they have difficulty maintaining friendships or harmony in family relationships due to impulsivity, isolation, or social misinterpretations. 
• Risky or impulsive behaviors: Engaging in substance use, unsafe driving, or other poor decisions that places teens in danger can indicate the need for structured intervention. 
• Learn more about selecting a residential treatment program.

Why Treating ADHD Matters for a Teen’s Future

Without proper support, teens with ADHD may struggle to learn at school. They can also struggle to develop healthy self-esteem, productive routines, and social relationships. The strain on these skills during vulnerable developmental periods can lead to lifelong challenges.

Additionally, 78% of teens with ADHD have at least one other co-occurring condition, and those with co-occurring conditions tend to have more severe presentations of ADHD. Untreated ADHD may increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder in young adulthood and beyond. 

Take our helpful quiz to see if your teen is ready for treatment.

How ADHD Is Treated in a Residential Setting

At Muir Wood, ADHD can be treated as part of our comprehensive mental health and dual-diagnosis programs. We support teen boys and teen girls as they learn to recognize their thought patterns and build healthy routines, using evidence-based methods to treat underlying conditions or comorbidities.

Therapeutic Modalities 

Behavioral therapy—including evidence-based models like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)—are essential opportunities for teens with ADHD to gain skills that help them alleviate symptoms. Through behavioral therapy, teens can learn how to recognize time blindness or develop strategies for effective task initiation. 

Family and group therapy also support teens with ADHD. Parents may learn how to create a supportive home environment, while teens can practice social skills and navigate group dynamics.

Medication Management 

Medication is a common intervention for ADHD, though it may not be appropriate right for every teen. Our psychiatric team conducts individualized assessments to determine if medication is beneficial for symptom management, particularly as an early intervention as teens build up their self-awareness and coping skills. In cases where medication is prescribed with the family’s approval, it is closely managed for dosage and timing of delivery. 

Overall Wellness 

In addition to psychiatric interventions like therapy and, in some cases, medication, structured routines that support overall wellness give teens with ADHD tools that foster success. Physical exercise or other movement strategies help regulate energy levels. Opportunities for novel stimuli or experiential activities like art, music, and meditation can help teens who struggle with focus. At Muir Wood, we integrate these experiential activities into teens’ schedules so they can express themselves and develop self-regulation skills outside of talk therapy sessions.

Academic Support 

For teenagers with ADHD, academic work is often one of their biggest struggles. Even students who perform well academically feel the toll of this stressor and may struggle with internal chaos, self-doubt, and burnout from overcompensation behaviors like masking or hyperfocus.

Our Muir Wood Learning Center’s credentialed teachers provide academic support while teens live in-residence so that they maintain continuity with the schools back home. During treatment, school work gives teens real-time opportunities to apply the skills they learn in therapy, such as time management, prioritization, organization, and task initiation.

Life-Changing Treatment for Co-Occurring ADHD at Muir Wood 

Teens with ADHD that co-occurs alongside other mental health or substance use issues can thrive with structure and support. At Muir Wood, our residential programs, led by expert clinicians, help families identify the underlying causes of their teen’s emotional and behavioral health and create custom treatment plans for each teen who enters our care. 

Find support for your teen’s mental health issues. Contact us today, give us a call at 866-705-0828, or fill out an assessment form to learn more about what an individualized treatment plan for a teen with ADHD looks like.