Anxiety and trauma can sometimes be mistaken for ADHD in teens. Providing them medication to temporarily focus is one strategy, but not a long-term solution. To effectively address signs of ADHD in teens, it's important to recognize how trauma, anxiety, and ADHD in teens are interconnected and tailor treatment accordingly. Innova Joy can help.
Contact UsTwo key brain regions play a role in attention and processing information. The frontal lobe is responsible for decision-making, logic, and focus, while the amygdala handles emotions and fight, flight or freeze responses.
When the amygdala activates due to anxiety or fear, it competes with the frontal lobe, making it difficult to focus. Both parts of the brain cannot both be “on” at the same time. When a person has experienced trauma, the amygdala can go into hyperdrive, essentially getting stuck “on” and preventing the frontal lobe from being able to process new information.
When we're preoccupied with worries about the future or fears, our brain can't effectively absorb information in the present moment, as these two processes cannot occur simultaneously.
Teens with anxiety or a history of trauma are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms look alike. However, the key difference lies in the treatment approach. Once teens receive trauma treatment and reduce their anxiety, they often regain their ability to focus.
At Innova Joy, we prioritize addressing the root causes of inattention, helping your child to regain their life without relying on medication. Call us today for a confidential assessment to see how we can help restore your teen’s focus.