When we think of ADHD, we immediately think of a restless, mischievous, and playful boy, right? Many people think of ADHD as a "boy's disease." This is because the condition is about twice as common in boys as in girls. But the most important thing we need to understand is that when girls develop ADHD, the symptoms they show can often be different. This is because girls' and boys' brains develop differently and their attention spans are different.
How is ADHD different in girls?
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the two most common symptoms of ADHD. However, girls are much less likely to have both of these symptoms. For this very reason, ADHD in girls is more likely to be misdiagnosed. This means that even if a girl has ADHD, we may not know it because she is not naughty.
However, there are other ADHD symptoms that are more common in girls. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Common ADHD symptoms in girls | |
|---|---|
| Characteristics related to attention and activity | |
| Difficulty concentrating | Difficulty listening to and following instructions. Appears to be listening to the teacher in class, but has a mind elsewhere. |
| Daydreaming | Always feeling lost in a world of thoughts. |
| Skipping work | Trying to avoid tasks that require a lot of attention (e.g., homework, schoolwork). |
| Forgetfulness and loss of belongings | Frequent forgetting of things, frequent loss of things like pens, books, pencils. |
| Confusion | Keeping their school bag, books, and room in a very messy state. |
| Mistakes in schoolwork | Even though they are good at studying, they make silly mistakes during exams or homework due to lack of concentration. |
| Mental and emotional symptoms (more common in boys) | |
| Stress and Anxiety | Constantly feeling stressed and anxious about things like schoolwork and social interactions. |
| Low self-esteem | Self-criticism, thoughts like "I can't do anything" and "I'm useless." |
| Depression | Always feeling sad and frustrated. |
| Risk of self-harm | Being more likely to physically harm oneself when the stress becomes unbearable. |
How to accurately diagnose this condition?
If you think your daughter has these symptoms, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor about it. The doctor or a mental health specialist he or she refers you to will talk to your daughter, conduct the necessary tests, and determine whether or not this condition exists.
Children are usually diagnosed with ADHD between the ages of 6 and 12. However, it may take a little longer for girls to be diagnosed. This is because girls try to "make up for" their attention deficit as much as possible. For example, they may study hard, but they will stay up late to do so. This can make it difficult for parents to recognize that there is a problem. For this reason, the condition may sometimes be missed completely.
There are three main types of ADHD. The inattentive type is most common among girls.
The 3 main types of ADHD
- Hyperactive/impulsive type: Here the child behaves impulsively and hyperactively. But there is no major problem with paying attention .
- Inattentive type: Here the child's attention is easily distracted, but there is no hyperactivity. This type is most common among girls.
- Combination: Here, both hyperactive/impulsive traits and difficulty paying attention can be seen.
How to treat?
The treatment for a child with ADHD is largely the same, regardless of whether the child is a boy or a girl. Your doctor will often recommend both medication and behavioral therapy. ADHD is a lifelong condition. Therefore, treatment may be needed even into adulthood.
The treatment plan your daughter receives will be determined by factors such as:
- The daughter's age and health history (including her response to medications).
- The nature of the symptoms she is showing.
- Your opinions and wishes as parents about treatment.
What you can do as a parent if your daughter has ADHD
The most valuable thing you can give any child with ADHD is your support and love. There are many ways to do that.
1. Find a good doctor: It's a good idea to find a doctor who specializes in ADHD in girls. Your family doctor should be able to refer you to a good specialist. Once you find one, ask any questions you have. Follow the doctor's instructions as closely as possible.
2. Talk to the teachers at school: Talk to the teachers and explain your daughter's situation. Sometimes the teachers can decide if the child needs an Individual Education Program (IEP). Simply put, an IEP is a written plan that outlines the child's learning goals and how the teacher will help them reach those goals.
3. Praise successes: Praise even the smallest thing your daughter does. Always say, "You did well, daughter, I'm proud of you." This builds the child's self-esteem.
4. Adopt a healthy lifestyle: It is very important to provide a balanced diet and adequate exercise. Obesity and eating disorders can be associated with ADHD. A healthy lifestyle also helps to control ADHD symptoms.
5. Create a routine: Having a specific routine and a clear schedule can go a long way in keeping your child on track. It can also be helpful to post small reminders (notes) in visible places at home, such as "Don't forget to do your math homework" or "Bring a nutritious snack before soccer practice." Keeping the house and your daughter's room tidy is also a big help for her.
6. Inform other caregivers: Once you learn about your daughter's condition, inform other important people in her life - supportive people like her father, grandmother, uncle, aunt - and make sure everyone is equally supportive of her daughter's routine and goals.
7. Change the way you talk: Don't shout to get your daughter's attention. That will do more harm than good. If you are giving advice, give it in a clear voice, one piece of advice at a time . Look your daughter in the eye and speak. If you have to say the same thing several times, don't get upset and be patient and ready to repeat it.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD symptoms in girls may be different from the mischievous traits in boys. Their main characteristic is inattention.
- Because of this difference, ADHD in girls is more likely to go undiagnosed. So be careful about your daughter's behavior.
- If you have any doubts, do not delay and consult a doctor. Correct diagnosis and treatment are very important.
- As parents, your love, support, and patience are the greatest strength your daughter will have to live successfully with this condition.
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