Adolescent Mental Health Declining: Strategies to Support Girls with ADHD

The mental health crisis among teen girls in America is at unprecedented levels. The rates of depression, suicide, sexual violence, and bullying are alarmingly high, especially among teen girls with ADHD. Hence, urgent interventions are necessitated.

We asked ADDitude readers, comprising parents, clinicians, and educators, to identify what measures they suggest to support and safeguard teen girls with ADHD. This is what they had to say.

“Schools should provide formal instruction to explain why social media is addictive and how one can overcome it. Teenagers are generally not receptive to their parents' advice, and they may not actively seek out this critical information.” —An ADDitude reader

“It is vital to educate people about the warning signs of ADHD in girls, such as emotional regulation, rejection sensitivity, low self-esteem, and self-harm. Professionals do not always understand the various presentations of ADHD in teen girls, and hence more girls are wrongly being treated for depression and anxiety.” —Melissa, New Jersey

“We must have programs to teach teen girls various practices such as meditation and mindfulness to gain control over their minds, reduce anxiety, and improve self-confidence.” —Heather, Florida

“There is a need for thorough IEP meetings to see that the child’s needs are advocated for.” —Latressa, South Carolina

“By the time most girls are diagnosed with ADHD, they may have suffered considerable trauma, shame, and low self-esteem, making their treatment an overwhelming challenge. It would help if we started screening all children for ADHD before kindergarten, and once diagnosed, provided the best treatment options.” —Lisa, Arizona

“The cost barrier for ADHD coaching should be lowered (preferably through mandatory coverage by insurance companies),” —Sarah, Maryland

“These girls must find a community that accepts them unconditionally, provides a sense of belonging, and helps them recognize their ADHD strengths. Support groups that share life hacks and celebrate overcoming obstacles are tremendously beneficial.” —Michelle, Mississippi

“We must validate their experiences and not dismiss them as hormonal or overemotional. What they go through is significant and impacts them profoundly.” —Carley

“It is essential to change the name and dispel the stigmas and misunderstandings around ADHD hindering care for so many teen girls.” —Sarah, Washington

“Nobody in the healthcare or school system educated us about how ADHD impacts my daughter's life entirely, not just her academic focus. This must change.” —Ann, South Dakota

“The message to girls (and all children with ADHD) must be that there is nothing to fix. Pressures and expectations to conform create unnecessary stress leading them to believe they are not good enough. Being seen and loved for exactly who they are can help them be more grounded and resilient.” —An ADDitude reader

“Having visible role models who are thriving with ADHD will help girls believe they can still succeed despite the challenges they face.” —Marni, Virginia

“Social support has a protective effect, and teen girls don't need a large peer group; they require at least one friend who genuinely understands them. As a parent, I would do everything to connect my teen girl with that friend.” —Lauren, Texas

“Stringent safeguards are necessary to protect against cyberbullying, including strict restrictions on social media and redesigning products to prioritize user health and welfare.” —Christopher, Oregon

“Instead of placing the onus on kids to seek help, help should be easily accessible and normalized everywhere.” —Nancy, Maryland

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