Reasons why teens with ADHD lack motivation

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is a mental condition where a person experiences difficulty in paying attention, being impulsive or hyperactive. Aggression, irritability, absent mindedness, anger and anxiety are some of the symptoms of ADHD. Often it is noticed that teenagers with ADHD face difficulty in being motivated.

"For ADHD teens, it's not about laziness—it's about how their brains process rewards differently," wrote Psychologist Carrie Jackson. She further shared a few reasons.(Unsplash) Teenagers with ADHD process rewards differently due to a dopamine reward pathway, making it difficult for them to stay motivated.

(Unsplash) They also need to feel autonomous, related and competent to keep doing the things that they have taken up. (Unsplash) Teens with ADHD need to be in complete control of the things that they are doing – when things go slightly wrong, they lose interest in it. (Unsplash) Their idea of being rewarded post the completion of the work at hand is different from others.

Hence, they sometimes lose their motivation. (Unsplash) Rewards or incentives post the completion is not that inspiring or motivating enough for them to continue doing the work. (Unsplash).