While boys are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) more often, girls also have the disorder, though they tend to have the mainly inattentive version, attention deficit disorder (ADD). The National Center for Gender Issues and AD/HD notes that of patients in the inattentive group of the disorder, 27 percent are female. Girls tend to have more inattentive issues than hyperactive issues, making their challenges harder to notice, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Inattention
The Mayo Clinic states that girls who have problems paying attention also tend to daydream, which can cause problems in school. For example, a girl may try to avoid doing homework or may make careless mistakes on her assignments. The American Academy of Pediatrics adds that girls with ADD also have problems achieving academically and get put into special education classes. Inattention problems can make it difficult for the child to follow directions, which can affect her ability to finish a task.
Disorganization
Organization is another problem seen with ADD, especially with girls. For example, a student can forget to do her homework because of a lack of an organization method, such as not using a daily planner. Poor organization can also impact school work and may contribute to the child being easily distracted. Disorganization can also result in misplacing items and being unprepared.
Behavioral and Emotional Issues
While hyperactivity is not as prevalent among girls, the National Center for Gender Issues and AD/HD notes that girls may have hyperverbalization and emotional excitability as symptoms rather than fidgeting and constantly moving, the hyperactivity symptoms commonly seen in boys. The Center adds that the impulsive symptoms of ADD can result in substance abuse or earlier sexual activity. Female ADD patients are also more prone to emotional issues, such as depression, than males. The mood disorder may be due to an internalizing of symptoms or shame regarding problems in school. The lack of overt behavioral problems can result in the symptoms being overlooked when girls are younger.
