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Experts on general behavior frequently disagree on just how many people
in the U.S. are ADHD. Past estimates vary from 3 to 10 percent and
usually state that boys are 9 times more likely to have the traits.
However, newer studies indicate that ratio is nearer three to one
instead of nine to one. That means a lot of ADHD girls have gone
un-noticed in the past and probably untreated. There are three types
of ADHD: hyperactive-impulsive type, inattentive type, and a combination
of these two types. (
Symptoms of ADHD ) It’s really easy to spot someone with
hyperactivity. They are restless, fidget a lot, talk too much and can’t
sit still. When you mention these signs, almost every teacher and parent
knows a 5 to 15 year old boy who fits the picture. So, why aren’t ADHD
girls as easily spotted?
ADHD girls usually fall into the inattentive traits group. That means
they may make careless mistakes, have difficulty paying attention, not
follow instructions well, be easily distracted, and often forgetful, but
are usually quieter in school and at home and are often overlooked. It’s
true that boys may have these same symptoms, but unlike girls, are
usually impulsive and/or hyperactive and draw a lot of attention to
themselves. That makes ADHD boys easier to spot. Ok, now that you have a
feel for the problem, let’s take a look at the very subtle traits that
make it hard to “see” ADHD in the female gender.
When compared with ADHD boys of the same age, girls:
- Seem to be less rowdy and less aggressive in athletics
- Often have less dramatic behavior both at school and home
- Don’t get in trouble at school, home or with the law as often
- Appear spacey or not interested until something really
stimulates them
- Once stimulated appear to concentrate a lot better and get
things done faster
- Are less likely to have learning disabilities, especially in
reading or math
- Are less forgetful and a little more organized
- Usually do their homework and make somewhat better grades in
school
- Make friends easier and keep a limited number of closer friends
- Are able to concentrate on after school activities better
- Seem withdrawn and quiet, and are often described as “She keeps
to herself”
Did you notice that most of these ADHD-inattentive traits don’t seem
to jump out at you? It’s no wonder that ADHD girls can go undetected
well into their teen years! Parents and teachers tend to blame the
symptoms of inattentiveness in girls on “mood swings” or “just being a
girl”. In contrast, hyperactive five-year old boys may be labeled “just
being a boy”, but are usually watched more closely as they grow older.
This tendency to focus on males makes ADHD females harder to detect at
an earlier age, even though new studies show that girls are twice as
likely to have inattentive ADHD disorders. That means an ADHD girl is
usually spotted in the seventh grade or later. In contrast, since ADHD
boys are often hyper and disruptive in class, third, fourth and fifth
grade teachers are usually the first ones to detect the disorder.
Why should we try to find these inattentive-ADHD kids at as early an
age as possible?
Studies have clearly shown that treatment at an earlier age leads to
a more productive, successful life with fewer problems in both
adolescence and adulthood. ADHDers are more prone to drug abuse,
criminal activity, and domestic violence, risk taking behaviors such as
speeding and sex, marital problems, unemployment and many other social
and economic problems. Therapy may include educational assistance,
counseling, behavior-skills training, support groups, and medications.
Any therapy should stress teaching and helping the child to focus in
such a way as to pick up on all the little skills needed to function in
life. You will need the help of your family doctor to evaluate and
coordinate reasonable and effective treatment. It is very hard to
self-treat ADHD and the failure rate for that type of ADHD therapy is
almost 100 percent!
Early detection and treatment can dramatically improve one’s self
esteem and emotional stability, resulting in a happier, more productive
person capable of independent living. Raising one’s children to “leave
the nest” and successfully live in society should be a goal of every
nurturing parent. What can you do to detect ADHD in your daughter, a
female student, or even a grown woman? I bet it’s easy now that you know
what to look for! (
Spotting ADDS and ADHD in kids under 6 years old,
Parents behavior guide for ADHD
) May you and your children “Live
long and prosper”.
Dr. Frank |
