According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2003, 7.8 percent of children between the ages of 4 and 17 in the U.S. were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD. In terms of gender, ADHD is diagnosed in boys 2.5 times more than girls. The same criteria are used to diagnose the disorder in boys and girls; however, there are some differences in the presentation of symptoms in these two groups.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD, as laid out by the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” requires that an individual have symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity for at least six months. Inattention symptoms include difficulty following directions, not listening to others, trouble concentrating, careless mistakes, being disorganized and often losing or forgetting things. Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms include trouble sitting still, often running or climbing, talking constantly, acting without thinking, interrupting others and difficulty waiting to take turns. These symptoms must be present in two or more settings, such as home, school or work. Individuals can be diagnosed with one of three types: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive or combined.
Boys
As reported by the CDC in 2003, the prevalence of ADHD in boys between the ages of 4 and 17 is 11 percent. Boys are more likely to diagnosed with the disorder than girls, and also more likely to be referred for testing or treatment. As discussed by psychologist Robert Weis, author of “Introduction to Child and Adolescent Psychology,” this may be due to boys’ tendency to have more significant behavior problems. Their tendency to demonstrate more disruptive hyperactive and impulsive symptoms may lead parents and teachers to look for solutions sooner.
Girls
As reported by the CDC in 2003, the prevalence of ADHD in girls between the ages of 4 and 17 is 4.4 percent. As described by Weis, girls are more likely to have symptoms of inattention, rather than symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity, meaning that they are more likely to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD. Additionally, because girls are less likely to have serious behavior problems, they are sometimes overlooked in diagnosis and referral.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Mental Health in the United States: Prevalence of Diagnosis and Medication Treatment for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder---United States, 2003
- “Introduction to Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology”; Robert Weis; 2008
- “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision”; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
