For years, ADHD was thought to be something kids "grew out of." We now know that's rarely the case. A large proportion of children diagnosed with ADHD still meet the criteria in their teen years, but the way symptoms show up changes — and the stakes get higher. What many young people with ADHD, and their parents, don't realise is that ADHD can be like a rolling snowball: if left unaddressed, it gathers more weight and speed over time, making problems bigger, harder to control, and more damaging in the long run.
Why Treating Early Makes a Difference
Addressing ADHD early gives kids the skills, support, and treatment plan they need before these challenges compound.
The Adolescent Shift: New Risks, New Pressures
1. Substance Use Risk
Teens with ADHD are more likely to start smoking and drinking earlier and are twice as likely to develop substance use disorders compared with their peers. Co-occurring conduct disorder or depression increases the risk further.
2. Surge in Depression
Rates of depression and dysthymia jump sharply in adolescence. Nearly half of teens with ADHD may experience them. When depression occurs alongside disruptive behaviour, the risk of suicide attempts rises.
3. Co-occurring and Cognitive Challenges
Many adolescents with ADHD also develop oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, or obsessive–compulsive disorder. Some are at increased risk for antisocial personality disorder in late adolescence or adulthood. Persistent cognitive deficits, such as difficulties with planning, sustaining effort, and completing complex tasks, can further hinder academic and social progress. Adolescents with ADHD are also at elevated risk for specific learning disorders in reading, math, and/or written expression, which can further compound academic difficulties.
The Bottom Line
As a virtual care platform close to you, FasTreat wants you to know that expert help is always within reach. ADHD does evolve, but early intervention can make a lasting difference and help prevent the risky spiral that often begins in adolescence. We encourage you to value the diversity of every growth journey — recognising that each person's path is unique. Starting from today, you can take steps to support both the challenges and the strengths that shape who you are.
References:
Citation:
Wolraich, M. L., Wibbelsman, C. J., Brown, T. E., Evans, S. W., Gotlieb, E. M., Knight, J. R., Ross, E. C., Shubiner, H. H., Wender, E. H., & Wilens, T. (2005). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder among Adolescents: A review of the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical implications. PEDIATRICS, 115(6), 1734–1746. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2004-1959
PDF: https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/49642148/ADHDAmongAdolescents-libre.pdf
