Has your teen suddenly begun to score poorly on tests? Or have you noticed impulsive or risky behavior, such as drunken driving or drug and alcohol abuse, that you haven’t seen previously?

“Sometimes, parents notice a change in their child after some major life changes like switching schools or [...]]]> Has your teen suddenly begun to score poorly on tests? Or have you noticed impulsive or risky behavior, such as drunken driving or drug and alcohol abuse, that you haven’t seen previously?

“Sometimes, parents notice a change in their child after some major life changes like switching schools or starting college — and these changes could point to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),” says Mark Groshek, MD, a Kaiser Permanente doctor who has written extensively about ADHD.

Teens and younger children with ADHD often can function and work around more classic symptoms involving focus, paying attention in class, and inability to sit in one place. While some ADHD symptoms may not stand out, ADHD left untreated in children and adolescents could lead to depression or job instability later in life.

Other less obvious symptoms among children and teens include oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder. With ODD, children often have bad tempers, instigate arguments with parents, teachers, and other adults, and purposely break rules.

Children with ODD sometimes develop conduct disorder either in their preteen or teenage years.

“Kids with conduct disorder show defiant and disruptive behavior,” Groshek says. “They might hurt people or violate social rules, often in time spans lasting six months or more.”

If you suspect ADHD, Groshek recommends making an appointment with your pediatrician, who will examine the child to rule out other problems such as learning disabilities or depression. The doctor or a psychologist will then use the American Psychiatric Association criteria to evaluate your child for ADHD. Current treatments include counseling and/or behavior management techniques and social skills training. Medication, which recent studies show are not harmful, may be recommended to treat ADHD symptoms.