Why ADHD Often Goes Unnoticed in Girls

Have you been told your daughter would get better grades if she stopped daydreaming, paid more attention in class instead of drawing pictures, and remembered to turn in her homework assignments? 

Have you noticed your daughter seems incapable of completing tasks at home and instead gets distracted and doesn’t finish chores? Could she have ADHD? 

More than 11% of children in the United States have received a diagnosis of ADHD, but almost twice as many boys (15%) have the diagnosis when compared to girls (8%). Researchers say girls may be underdiagnosed because their symptoms are less noticeable. 

Pediatric neurologist Dr. Charles Niesen and our team at AMS Neurology in Pasadena, California, treat ADHD in children and teens. Dr. Niesen provides a comprehensive evaluation of your child by gathering data and administering tests before creating a plan to help your child thrive in every aspect of life. 

Types of ADHD

There are three types of ADHD. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD children seem to be driven by a motor; they can’t sit still for long and are rarely described as calm.

 Inattentive ADHD children are often seen as daydreamers. They have trouble focusing on and completing tasks, whether at school or home. 

The combined type of ADHD is characterized by a mixture of symptoms from the other two types.

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD can look different in boys and girls

When you think of ADHD, you may picture a boy who jumps up and down, can’t stop moving, and acts like a bull in a china shop, stumbling over toys and breaking objects too close to the edge of a table. While this description does ring true for some boys with ADHD, the symptoms are often more muted in girls. 

Boys with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD are more likely to be disruptive in school by being the class clown, for example, or not stopping their bike at a corner to look for traffic. They may interrupt the teacher or have outbursts in class. 

Because hyperactive-impulsive ADHD boys are disciplined more frequently in school and perhaps at home, they’re more at risk of dropping out of school and developing delinquent behaviors than boys who don’t have it. 

On the other hand, girls with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD are less likely to disrupt class or have major problems in school. They may be seen as extra talkative and very social. They can seem to have an endless supply of energy and always be working on a project or scheme. Many times their energy can be channeled into drama or sports, which can lead to increased self-esteem and self-confidence. 

On the other hand, your daughter with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may have trouble making friends. She may lose her temper and struggle to control her anger. She may be seen as loud or immature, which can lead to bullying. 

However, hyperactive girls may have the same types of executive functioning problems as hyperactive boys. Your daughter may race through assignments, making careless mistakes. She may forget to do assignments. As she progresses in school, it may be impossible for her to keep track of her notebooks or follow through on responsibilities. 

Inattentive ADHD in girls 

Inattentive ADHD is the most common type of ADHD in girls. Because most girls don’t have hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, their symptoms may be overlooked.

Girls and boys with inattentive ADHD often have executive functioning challenges as do those with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. Your daughter may constantly lose things. She may not pay attention to detail or remember to do assigned school work or chores. She may be a loner who appears happy to be alone with her thoughts and has trouble making friends.

If she’s not interested in a school subject, it’s hard for her to buckle down and get through it. However, she can spend hours on an activity she loves, whether it’s reading, drawing, sewing, or anything else. 

All of these things may be considered in the normal range until they start to impact school performance or your daughter shows visible signs of depression or anxiety. 

Treating ADHD in girls

We provide compassionate care for your daughter with ADHD. We outline accommodations she may need at school to help her succeed academically. Dr. Niesen may prescribe medication as well as cognitive behavioral therapy. We also offer resources to you, the parents, as you help your daughter overcome ADHD challenges and thrive socially and academically. 

Call our office at AMS Neurology or book an appointment online today if you suspect your daughter has undiagnosed ADHD.