Teens with ADHD are famous for their behavior. Disobedient, demanding, willful, lazy. Confrontation often results in an escalation of the situation. What’s next? An explosion.

Being around teens with ADHD is like being on a rollercoaster. The emotional ups and downs make things tough for everyone. Conversations are difficult, with constant interruptions. The volume goes up. It becomes an all-out argument. 

What is the problem?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is not a behavior disorder. However, its symptoms aggravate behavior. Impulsivity may cause teens with ADHD to act without thinking of consequences. They are overly active and often anger quickly.

The lack of emotional control is increased by raging adolescent hormones. Added to the ADHD brain, teens are more likely to refuse to do things that they don’t want to do. Remember, the disorder makes it harder to do things that are boring or difficult. What do you do?

How Does Yelling Affect Teens with ADHD? 

Watch out for harsh words and criticisms. You think that yelling ends arguments. Maybe the teen submits, but there are costs too.

Research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that criticizing children with ADHD increases symptoms, not makes them better. Mental illness can result from the aggression that results from yelling. Depression, anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are impacted by ongoing aggression.

The emotional brain is developing as adolescence continues. Yelling a teen into submission lowers self-esteem. This increases stress hormones in the bloodstream. The stress thereby brings out more anger and defiance.

For many parents and teachers, yelling at adolescents may be a normal thing. Unfortunately, research shows that there may be as damaging as other abuse.  

10 Tips to Stop the Yelling 

Parents, consider yourself to be the expert on your own child. Seek advice from others in different environments who can provide a different perspective. Teens are insightful and provide strategies to diffuse explosive situations. Ask for their perspective without interrupting.

1. Be on the lookout for triggers.
2. Defeat anger with humor.
3. Put up a stop sign before things escalate.
4. Work together for alternatives.
5. Be present.
6. Make and keep a connection.
7. Consider both rewards and intrinsic/self-motivation.
8. Watch your language.
9. Be powerful and calm, not powerless.
10. Have secret meetings with a non-judgemental friend.

While parents and teachers would not dream of physically harming a child. They would, however, shout, curse, and use insults. Behaviors like this break down relationships. 

What strategies do you use to stay cool in explosive situations with your ADHD teen?

Copyright © 2023 by Edna M. Brown. All Rights Reserved.