Signs of ADHD In Girls

When someone mentions ADHD, most people first think about the one out of control boy, who disrupts class, acts as the class clown, and runs about the playground climbing trees. Though this image is typically applicable, signs of ADHD in girls can be quite different.

ADHD in children

ADHD affects three to seven percent of children. Though many young children can be hyperactive, inattentive, and impulsive a consistent pattern of those behaviors may be a sign of ADHD.

Signs of ADHD in girls are different than ADHD in boys

Statistically, boys are diagnosed much more often than girls; however, this does not mean ADHD is not as common in girls. ADHD may not be as recognized in young girls. 

ADHD expert Harlan Gephart, MD says, “The big problem with ADHD in girls is that it presents itself differently. Boys are just more obvious.” 

Inattentive-type ADHD

Though your daughter may not be displaying common hyperactive or impulsive behaviors, there is another form of ADHD with very different symptoms. Signs of ADHD include the following:

• Inability to focus on one task
• Daydream
• Careless Mistakes
• Lose items often
• May not listen when talked to
• Inability to follow through with activities

Girls with this form of ADHD are often characterized as lazy or careless.

Depression in girls with ADHD

Though not included in most lists of signs of ADHD, untreated and misdiagnosed ADHD can lead to depression in children. Your daughter may feel like she’s trying as hard as she can, but yet is not getting the results that are expected, especially in school. Girls tend to compensate by overworking, which may help them succeed, until they reach middle school or higher grades with increased demands.

Oppositional defiant disorder common with ADHD

Other behavioral and mental disorders that occur with ADHD are general anxiety disorder, dysthymia, and oppositional defiant disorder. Nearly 50% of children with ADHD also suffer from ODD, which results in hostility and unwillingness to compromise, especially with authority figures.

Though signs of ADHD in females can be different from their male counterparts, ADHD is still common among adolescent females. A therapeutic boarding school can give your daughter the support, academic assistance, and structured environment in which your daughter can thrive. For more information, call Asheville Academy of Girls to speak with our supportive admissions team at 800-264-8709.  They can help see if your daughter is a good fit for our school, and answer any questions you may have.