Understanding Signs and Treatments of ADHD in Adolescents with Norman Regional Pediatrician

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates around 7 million U.S. children aged 3–17 years have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This ADHD Awareness Month, it’s more important than ever to highlight the importance of early recognition and effective treatment, particularly in children and adolescents.

Norman Regional Health System’s board-certified pediatrician at Pediatrics South Oklahoma City, Alexander Mach, DO, helps families understand the signs, treatments and strategies for managing ADHD. Dr. Mach’s interest in mental health stems from personal experience and a deep empathy for his patients.

“Growing up as a teenager, I struggled with my own mental health and imposter syndrome,” he said.

This experience has fueled his passion for addressing mental health concerns in children and teens, particularly ADHD.

Recognizing ADHD in Adolescents

Dr. Mach explains that early identification of ADHD is crucial for setting children up for success in the classroom and beyond.

“Having ADHD myself, I can really empathize with a lot of my patients,” he said, noting the unique struggles young people face with concentration and attention.

ADHD is often thought of as a childhood disorder, but it frequently goes undiagnosed until adolescence or adulthood. Common symptoms can include:

• Difficulty focusing
• Restlessness
• Impulsivity
• Trouble completing tasks

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ADHD Presentation Differences by Gender

According to the Child Mind Institute, ADHD affects boys and girls in similar numbers, but girls are often underdiagnosed due to varying symptom presentation. Many people picture ADHD as the stereotypical "hyperactive child," yet ADHD manifests differently in girls, who often display the inattentive or internalized symptoms that can be overlooked.

“Boys (15%) were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls (8%).” - CDC

The Child Mind Institute explains that while boys may be actively inattentive, girls might be internally distracted, which can be more difficult for teachers and parents to observe. Girls who exhibit hyperactive traits may do so more subtly. Rather than being outwardly fidgety or disruptive, they may doodle, tap their feet or exhibit quiet restlessness.

Impulsivity in girls also often appears verbally. For example, they may be more likely to be chatting, interrupting or saying things out of turn which may be written off as personality quirks rather than symptoms of ADHD.

ADHD and Social Pressures

Both boys and girls with ADHD may struggle with executive functioning skills, like time management and task completion. Traits of ADHD tend to affect school performance, social interactions and self-esteem.

In today’s world, adolescents are under additional pressures, with social media often contributing to increased stress and a “highlight reel” mentality.

“Teenage depression continues to be on the rise,” said Dr. Mach. "I think a lot of that stems from social media and, spending your whole day in someone else's highlight reel.”

ADHD symptoms can be exacerbated by these external stressors, making it even more important for parents, teachers and caregivers to recognize potential signs.

Approaches to ADHD Treatment

When it comes to treating ADHD, Dr. Mach stresses the importance of individualized care. “There are a lot of ways to treat ADHD. Every child is different. Every family is different,” he said. . Dr. Mach takes a team-based approach to treatment, working closely with families to understand each child’s unique needs and challenges.

“Medication isn’t always the answer,” Dr. Mach said. “I’m a firm believer in therapy as well. When it comes to ADHD, or really any mental health disorder, it's important to identify the root cause and treat that.” He advocates for therapy and behavioral interventions alongside or instead of medication, depending on the child's needs.

He acknowledges that access to therapy can be challenging, especially in Oklahoma, but he reassures parents that even small adjustments can make a big difference. “We can always make changes if things aren’t working as expected,” he said, knowing how important it is to create a flexible, responsive treatment plan.

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The Importance of Early Intervention

Dr. Mach sees early intervention as essential, particularly given ADHD’s potential to affect multiple areas of a young person's life. “How you grow up can shape so many different aspects of your life,” he says. “Identifying those issues early on can really set a lot of kids up for success.”

For parents who may feel uncertain or overwhelmed, Dr. Mach’s advice is simple: don’t hesitate to ask questions. “Kids don’t come with instruction manuals,” he said, reassuring parents that “there’s no such thing as a dumb question.” His approach is rooted in respect and open communication, creating a safe environment for families to discuss even the most challenging concerns.

A Local, Trusted Pediatrician to Help You Take Action This ADHD Awareness Month

Dr. Mach’s commitment to his patients and their families is evident in every aspect of his work. “Being able to go to work and leave knowing that I made a difference, and I helped a family understand what was going on with their child's health really gets me up every morning,” said Dr. Mach.

If you believe your child may be showing signs of ADHD or if you have questions about ADHD treatment options, Dr. Mach is here to help. With a caring approach and personalized treatment plans, Dr. Mach loves helping every child find the support they need to succeed.

ADHD Awareness Month is a great time to start the conversation about mental health and ADHD. Call Norman Regional Pediatrics South OKC at 405-515-0310 to learn more about how Dr. Mach can support your family.