As of 2006, statistics seemed to suggest that boys were more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency's survey in 2006 showed that over 9 percent of the boys that participated were diagnosed with ADHD compared to only about 6 percent of the girls. However, data from 2010 suggests that the number of girls with ADHD is more numerous than previously believed, asserts 4-ADHD.com.
Hyperactive vs. Inattentive
Boys and girls manifest ADHD differently. Girls are more likely to manifest ADHD symptoms that are less overt than boys. Boys, in contrast, more commonly manifest the typical hyperactive and disruptive behavior traits associated with ADHD, according to a survey published in 2004 in "Medscape General Medicine." By and large, girls with ADHD have greater difficulty than boys staying focused, and are more likely than boys to have difficulties developing interpersonal skills. As such, boys with ADHD tend to do better in school or have relatively smoother social interactions with friends and family than girls, notes ChildPsych.org. It is thus harder to diagnose and immediately treat ADHD in girls due to the subtle nature in which ADHD manifests.
Depression
Girls with ADHD are about three times more likely to develop depression due to ADHD compared to boys, notes "Medscape General Medicine." This difference is generally linked with the tendency for girls with ADHD to increasingly have difficulties performing their schoolwork. This is especially true for girls whose ADHD remains unrecognized and untreated because their declining performance in school is blamed on other factors. As such, girls have a greater probability of requiring treatment for depression in addition to ADHD once the ADHD is properly diagnosed.
Self-Esteem
Boys with ADHD are less likely to manifest changes to their self-esteem after being diagnosed with the disorder. On the other hand, girls displayed a higher probability of having self-esteem issues prior to being diagnosed with ADHD, explains 4-ADHD.com. This disparity in self-esteem is due to the differences in how parents, peers, and teachers respond to boys and girls with ADHD. Prior to diagnosis, girls generally manifest ADHD via declining performance in school, and an inability to remain focused. Once ADHD is recognized and properly treated, the symptoms diminish and the presumed improvement in schoolwork and social interactions can have a positive effect on the self-esteem of girls. Boys, on the other hand, are more likely to be diagnosed early and are spared the emotional trauma that their female counterparts experience. As such, their self-esteem is less likely to be affect compared to girls, according to "Medscape General Medicine" and 4-ADHD.com.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Children National Health Interview Survey, 2002
- "Medscape General Medicine": Perceptions of Girls and ADHD: Results From a National Survey
- 4-ADHD: Even in ADD, Girls Are Different than Boy
- Child Psych: ADHD girls grow up: Gender differences in the course and co-morbidity of ADHD
