Adults and adolescents with ADHD may be at a higher risk of experiencing low self-esteem, academic difficulties, social difficulties, impulsive behaviours, and emotional dysregulation. By the age 12 children with ADHD may have heard 20000 more negative messages than their neurotypical peers.
It’s essential to address these risk factors and provide appropriate support to help people with ADHD navigate these challenges.
Co-occurring Conditions: People with ADHD often have co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These conditions, when left untreated or inadequately managed, can contribute to an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behaviours. Early recognition and treatment of these co-occurring conditions are crucial to reducing the risk of suicide in adolescents with ADHD.
Medication and Monitoring: Some adolescents with ADHD are prescribed medications like stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate or amphetamine-based medications) to help manage their symptoms. While these medications can be effective in improving focus and impulse control, there is a need for careful monitoring. Some studies have raised concerns about a potential link between stimulant medication use and suicidal ideation, but the overall evidence is mixed, and more research is needed in this area. It is essential for healthcare providers to closely monitor individuals taking these medications and ensure appropriate management.
Monitoring medication dosage usually involves incremental change (titration) upward or downward depending on the observation of mood, behaviour and challenging or worrying behaviour. This observation may come from a parent or personal diary.
The National Health Service, NHS Medicines information
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