Scientists are finally coming to terms with the way attention-deficity/hyperactivity disorder, most commonly referred to as ADHD, manifests in young girls.
For years, young girls have frequently been misdiagnosed or have gone undiagnosed entirely because most test studies focused on the behaviors of ADHD in young boys.
Now, thanks to dedicated counselors such as those at BetterHelp, young girls with ADHD are getting more of the assistance they need.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD, the acronym for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is an umbrella term to describe a neurodevelopmental disorder.
It has been categorized with a few different names over the years and has been identified in the past as different from ADD, which formerly described attention-deficit disorder.
Now, ADHD is further categorized into three different types:
Inattentive Type
- This presentation insinuates that a person struggles to stay on task and has difficulty paying attention to instruction, among other things.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
- This presentation insinuates that a person struggles with containing or focusing their energy and might act out in inappropriate times or settings.
Combination Type
- An individual who displays both types is diagnosed with combination type.
Symptoms of ADHD are more detailed depending upon the type of presentation.
How Is it Different in Girls?
Across the board, girls have a tendency to show symptoms for ADHD inattentive type. Since hyperactive-impulsive type is easier to see outwardly, it tends to be easier to diagnose. Likewise, boys have a tendency to showcase symptoms of ADHD hyperactive-impulsive type or combination type early on, which can be easier to identify.
Generally speaking, girls also have a tendency to mirror the behavior of their peers. They comprehend behavioral expectations and attempt to present them even if it does not come as a natural instinct, which can mask ADHD further.
When a girl with ADHD is able to find coping mechanisms independently, it can be that much more challenging for a doctor to diagnose the symptoms.
It can fly completely under the radar because the individual has learned how they are supposed to act and have done so accordingly, due to society’s strict expectations for girls.
ADHD inattentive type can look like carelessness. Perhaps the individual forgets to practice proper hygiene or struggles to keep track of their responsibilities.
One misconception of ADHD inattentive type is this theory that inattentive type means that a person cannot focus at all. On the contrary, an individual with ADHD inattentive type can focus, they just struggle to choose what they focus on.
For example, a person with ADHD inattentive type might find themselves spending hours on something without realizing how much time has gone by.
How Does This Affect Young Girls?
ADHD in young girls can have an impact both academically and socially.
Academically speaking, most schools expect all children to learn the same way at the same speed. This can be incredibly challenging for those with ADHD. ADHD does not prevent a child from learning the necessary material, but the structure by which school is set up can make it difficult to find success.
For that reason, an ADHD diagnosis is important as early as possible. Once the child, teacher, and parents know the issue at hand, they can begin finding ways to help the child achieve academic success.
Socially speaking, ADHD in young girls can be incredibly anxiety-inducing. Remember how we mentioned that young girls are often good at mirroring their peers? Well, a side effect of this experience is the feeling that something is inherently wrong with them.
A young girl might feel lesser-than when they realize that they cannot remember or complete the same tasks at the level of proficiency of their peers. They might feel ostracized when they forget to practice basic hygiene or act out of turn.
Undiagnosed ADHD can be a cause of anxiety and depression in young girls. If you think your child might be showing symptoms of ADHD, speak to a professional counselor and get the help your child deserves.
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