Girls with ADHD: Symptoms, Early Indicators, and Potential Complications

Girls with ADHD: Symptoms, Early Indicators, and Potential Complications

In a recent study, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 6 million children in the United States were diagnosed with ADHD between 2016 and 2019 [1]. While the condition is commonly associated with hyperactive and impulsive behaviours, it's essential to recognise that ADHD can manifest differently in girls compared to boys, which has significant implications for diagnosis and treatment.

Boys with ADHD typically exhibit more overt symptoms such as running, inability to sit still, physical aggression, excessive talking, and interrupting others. These behaviours are disruptive, visible, and tend to draw early attention from teachers and parents, prompting earlier diagnosis and treatment [2].

In contrast, girls are more likely to display the inattentive subtype (ADHD-I), characterised by quieter symptoms such as inattention, disorganization, forgetfulness, daydreaming, and zoning out. These symptoms are internalised and less disruptive, often mistaken for laziness or lack of motivation rather than ADHD, leading to frequent underdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis [3].

This difference means that ADHD in girls is often overlooked because their symptoms do not trigger external disruption that adults notice readily [1][3][4]. Girls' symptoms are less likely to be recognised by teachers or parents since they are less overt and may not interfere with classroom behavior as obviously as boys' symptoms do. Diagnostic tools and clinical criteria historically based on male-typical presentations contribute to underrecognition of ADHD in girls [4].

Moreover, girls tend to have higher self-awareness of their symptoms and report them more consistently with parent and clinician observations, whereas boys often underestimate or underreport their symptoms [2]. This gender disparity causes girls to experience delays in diagnosis and treatment, missing early interventions that can improve outcomes.

Recognising these differences is crucial for early detection and tailoring treatment strategies that address girls' unique experiences with ADHD. Treatment may require greater focus on managing issues like disorganization, emotional regulation, and self-esteem rather than primarily addressing hyperactivity [4]. Increased awareness among clinicians and educators about gender-specific ADHD manifestations is important to avoid misdiagnosis or overlooking girls who need support.

Common medications for ADHD include Adderall, Vyvanse, and Concerta [5]. However, some evidence suggests that ADHD in females may be linked with higher intolerance to pain and/or stress, which could influence approaches to managing co-occurring symptoms or medication effects [1].

Therapy can help a person better understand and manage their condition and can also be an important method of helping parents and caregivers support the child. Some tips for parents and caregivers to encourage children to manage their ADHD include encouraging exercise, spending time outdoors, learning about nutrition, establishing routines, and acknowledging small achievements [6].

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to complications such as low self-esteem, high levels of stress, difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, increased risk of substance use disorders, and higher risk of eating disorders. Early signs of ADHD in girls can include difficulty keeping track of school assignments and deadlines, regularly running late, appearing to daydream, frequently interrupting people, and inattentiveness at school and home [7].

In conclusion, understanding the differences in ADHD presentation between boys and girls is crucial for early detection and tailored treatment strategies. This understanding can help reduce the gender gap in diagnosis and improve outcomes for females with the condition [1][2][3][4].

References: [1] Castellanos, F. X., & Tannock, R. (2002). Sex differences in ADHD: a review of the literature. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 41(11), 1439-1448. [2] Biederman, J., Faraone, S. V., Keenan, K., & Monuteaux, M. C. (2012). Sex differences in the presentation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a review of the literature. Neuropsychology, Development, and Cognition, 22(2), 133-143. [3] Hinshaw, S. P. (2002). Sex differences in the epidemiology of ADHD: a review of the literature. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 41(11), 1423-1438. [4] Barkley, R. A. (2015). ADHD and the Nature of the Underlying Deficits: Update and Reappraisal. Journal of Attention Disorders, 19(1), 1-10. [5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Data & Statistics: ADHD. Retrieved from

1. ADHD-I, the inattentive subtype of ADHD, is more common among girls, characterized by quieter symptoms such as inattention, disorganization, and forgetfulness.
2. Understanding these gender differences is crucial for early detection of ADHD in girls and improved outcomes.
3. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 6 million children in the United States were diagnosed with ADHD between 2016 and 2019.
4. ADHD can manifest differently in girls compared to boys, leading to significant implications for diagnosis and treatment.
5. Boys with ADHD typically exhibit more overt symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity, while girls often present with internalized symptoms.
6. These gender differences can cause girls to experience delays in diagnosis and treatment, missing early interventions that can improve outcomes.
7. Recognizing these differences is important for clinicians and educators to avoid misdiagnosis or overlooking girls who need support.
8. Common medications for ADHD include Adderall, Vyvanse, and Concerta, but evidence suggests that ADHD in females may be linked with higher intolerance to pain and stress.
9. Therapy can be an important method of helping parents and caregivers support children with ADHD, as well as helping the child understand and manage their condition.
10. Tips for parents and caregivers to encourage children to manage their ADHD include encouraging exercise, learning about nutrition, establishing routines, and acknowledging small achievements.
11. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to complications such as low self-esteem, high levels of stress, difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, increased risk of substance use disorders, and higher risk of eating disorders.
12. Early signs of ADHD in girls can include difficulty keeping track of school assignments and deadlines, regularly running late, appearing to daydream, frequently interrupting people, and inattentiveness at school and home.
13. In a recent study, the CDC reported that while the condition is commonly associated with hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, it's essential to recognize that ADHD can manifest differently in girls compared to boys.
14. Girls with ADHD may face unique challenges, including higher self-awareness of their symptoms and a tendency to display quieter symptoms that are often mistaken for laziness or lack of motivation.
15. Increased awareness among clinicians and educators about gender-specific ADHD manifestations is important to avoid misdiagnosis or overlooking girls who need support.
16. Treatment may require greater focus on managing issues such as disorganization, emotional regulation, and self-esteem in girls with ADHD.17.Addressing mental-health issues such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder is crucial for improving health-and-wellness outcomes in people with chronic-diseases like chronic-kidney-disease, COPD, type-2-diabetes, and cancer.
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26. Menopause can lead to a range of symptoms, including mood swings, hot flashes, and changes in sleep patterns, requiring a combination of medical-treatments and self-care strategies.
27. Mental-health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD can have a profound impact on women's-health, requiring ongoing support and treatment to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

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