Why Understanding ADHD in Your Teen Could Change Everything

If you are parenting a teenager with ADHD, you have probably noticed they feel things deeply, sometimes overwhelmingly so. What might seem like a small comment to you can trigger a storm of emotion in them. One minute they are fine, the next they are angry, upset, or shutting down completely. It might feel unpredictable or even exhausting. But there is an explanation, and it is one that could help you both.

It is called Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, or what I prefer to call criticism sensitivity, and it is incredibly common in teens with ADHD. It means they are not just emotionally sensitive, they are wired to pick up on rejection, even when it is not really there. They often misread tone, body language, or neutral situations as signs that someone does not like them or is having a go at them.

This is not about drama or attention. It is about how their brain processes social feedback. One offhand comment or a look they interpret wrongly can leave them feeling humiliated, angry, or worthless. It's not just taking things personally; it's a tidal wave of emotion they didn't see coming and don't know how to manage.

Understanding this part of ADHD is essential. Once you know what is happening under the surface, you stop seeing their reactions as overreactions and start seeing them as signs of a young person struggling with how they feel about themselves.

Many teens with ADHD walk through life with a running commentary in their head: “I have messed up again. People think I am annoying. I never get it right.” These beliefs build up over time, especially if their ADHD has not been recognised or supported properly.

But this can change.

When teens begin to understand their ADHD and how it impacts their emotions, relationships, motivation, and self-esteem, everything starts to make more sense. They realise they are not broken or bad, they are just wired differently. And once they have that understanding, they can start learning the tools to cope.

The more you understand ADHD and the emotional sensitivity that comes with it, the more you can help your teen make sense of their reactions. And in that process, you give them something powerful, the knowledge that they are not alone, and that they can learn to manage their feelings without shame.