A behavioral disorder that starts during childhood, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has symptoms that may last into adulthood. While boys with ADHD show noticeable symptoms, like defiant behavior, girls tend to have quieter symptoms, like trouble with attention, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. Girls with ADHD can have problems that do not affect boys with ADHD, such as low self-esteem. Treating the symptoms can help girls perform in school and improve their mood and relationships.
Statistics
The National Institute of Mental Health points out that ADHD is one of the most common psychological disorders diagnosed in children and teenagers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that 5.9 percent of girls between the ages of 5 and 17 in the United States have ADHD.
Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic's website explains that girls with ADHD show more inattention symptoms than hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. For example, girls tend to have trouble paying attention, and may daydream during class. The attention symptoms can cause problems finishing assignments for class. ADHD also affects organization, which can impact school performance. Since girls with ADHD have problems sustaining attention during a task, they may dislike or try to avoid doing activities that require them to focus or use a large amount of mental effort. For example, parents might notice that their daughter stops doing her homework, or becomes upset when she needs to do a difficult project for school. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that the symptoms of ADHD can cause problems for girls in school, perhaps resulting in placement in special education classes.
Diagnosis
Because the symptoms that girls with ADHD display are not as noticeable as the symptoms that boys tend to have, it may take longer to diagnose them. Nicole Crawford, author of the article "ADHD: A Women's Issue," points out that many women become diagnosed in their 30s and 40s when doctors diagnose their children with ADHD. A woman who has a child with ADHD may recognize the symptoms in herself, leading to the diagnosis.
Problems in Adulthood
Many girls with ADHD have problems in adulthood, especially if they do not receive the diagnosis until later in their lives. For example, girls with ADHD tend to blame themselves when something goes wrong. Crawford notes that girls with ADHD have a higher rate of depression and anxiety compared to boys with ADHD, which can result in low self-esteem. If a girl does not know that her problems in school result from ADHD, she may feel embarrassed about the difficulties she has. Girls with ADHD also deal with chronic disorganization and time management problems.
Treatment
Finding the right treatment helps girls with ADHD manage their symptoms. The American Academy of Pediatrics points out that girls are less likely than boys to receive the treatment needed after receiving their diagnosis. The treatment for girls with ADHD involves a team approach with the pediatrician, teachers and parents. Crawford adds that many girls benefit from a combination of stimulant medication, like methylphenidate, and therapy. The therapy helps patients deal with other issues, like depression and low-self esteem. Girls with ADHD may also benefit from support groups with other female ADHD patients.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) -- Symptoms
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: ADHD Data and Statistics
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Hidden in Plain Sight -- Girls and ADHD
- National Institute of Mental Health: The Numbers Count -- Mental Disorders in America
- American Psychological Association: ADHD -- A Women's Issue
