Many people tend to associate ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) with boys, and I've even read on a number of occasions that ADHD in girls is actually very rare. However, this is not entirely true. While studies certainly do suggest that boys are more likely to be born with ADHD than girls, one still needs to acknowledge the fact that countless girls are being diagnosed with the disorder every year, and like boys, the number of new cases is increasing year on year.
What Is Causing The Increase In New Cases Of ADHD?
In short, nobody really knows what is causing this. Some argue that it's largely due to modern screening methods, but as is often the case, this is debatable. A lot of experts also believe that an increasingly toxic environment could be to blame, or even diet.
Male vs. Female ADHD
It is no secret that more boys are diagnosed with ADHD than girls. However, many mental health experts are quick to point out that the disorder is more noticeable in boys than it is in girls, and because of this, they feel that there are probably millions of girls with the disorder who have never been screened.
Generally speaking, boys who have ADHD tend to exhibit disruptive behavior, and particularly if they have full blown ADHD – Inattentiveness; Hyperactivity and Impulsivity. In contrast, ADHD in girls often manifests itself in the form of anxiety; depression; low self esteem, and excessive talking. None of these symptoms are disruptive, so the girl with ADHD isn't likely to attract too much attention from teachers and etc.
The typical ADHD boy will not only be inattentive in class, but he will also constantly be fidgeting; moving from one desk to another; speaking out of turn; pushing in at the front of queues and etc. The typical ADHD girl on the other hand is more likely to sit quietly at her desk, daydreaming and / or speaking to friends when she should be paying attention to the teacher.
In short, male ADHD symptoms are frequently mistaken for bad behavior and / or a lack of discipline, while female ADHD symptoms are often mistaken for emotional problems.
When To Test For ADHD?
Another thing which makes it more difficult to spot ADHD in females, is the fact that girls are typically programmed to please. In other words, a girl will try harder to be in her teacher's good books compared to the typical ADHD boy. Experts believe that this is why many girls are only diagnosed with the condition once they reach middle school or high school.
If your daughter starts to experience bouts of depression and / or anxiety, you should seriously consider taking her for a professional assessment. Depression is often the first ADHD symptom to surface. Another tell-tale sign of ADHD would be if your daughter's school grades suddenly start deteriorating. Lastly but not least, you should also take any available opportunity to discuss your daughter's behavior with her teachers since they spend a great deal of time with your child.
