ADHD diagnosis

ADHD Symptoms in Girls

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What ADHD symptoms should parents look for in girls?

There are three main type of ADHD symtpoms, impaired response inhibition, off task behaviors, and poor persistence or sustained attention.
Impaired response inhibition includes:

-difficulty delaying gratification
-difficulty waiting ones turn
-interrupting others
-calling out, impassivity
-difficulty stopping a task
-being easily distracted
-difficulty stopping an ineffective strategy and changing to a more effective strategy

Off task behavior includes:

-hyperactivity
-being excessively fidgety
-frequently leaving ones seat
-appearing always “on the go”, constantly moving.
Poor persistence includes:
-difficulty sustaining attention with boring or tedious tasks
-difficulty sustaining motivation
-poor concentration
-difficulty returning to a task when distracted
-appearing not to listen

Other related problems include:

-poor time management
-forgetfulness
-frequently losing personal belongings
-disorganization
-poor regulation of emotions

 

ADHD Coaching is available online, by phone , and in-person.

ADHD diagnosis

Why is ADHD Underdiagnosed in Girls?

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Why is ADHD underdiagnosed in girls?
ADHD occurs in approximately 3-7% of the childhood population.  Boys are more likely to have the disorder than girls.  Boy are 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls  and in mental health settings boys are 6-9 times more likely to be diagnosed.  This is primarily because of referral bias.  Teachers and doctors are more likely to refer children who are more disruptive and aggressive and boys with ADHD tend to be more aggressive than girls.

What happens if these girls’ symptoms get left untreated?
Left untreated, children with ADHD are at risk for a variety of emotional, academic and behavioral difficulties, including:
-Oppositional Defiant Disorder (50+%)
-conduct problems (25-45%),
-learning disability (25-40%)
-low self-esteem and depression (25%).
-Academic under-performance 90% of the time
-Retention in a grade from 25% to 50% of the time
-Requiring Special Education in 35% to 60% of the time
-Failure to graduate high school in 30% to 40% of the time
-Less likely to attend college 20% of the time
-Less likely to graduate college 5% of the time
-Peer-relation problems 50% of the time
-Substance-abuse/dependency 10% to 20%
-Early sexual activity and teen pregnancy in 38%+
-Increased risk for STDs in 16%

ADHD Coaching is available online, by phone , and in-person.