Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is ADHD?Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in BoysHow Is ADHD Diagnosed in Boys?How Does ADHD Affect Boys?ADHD TreatmentWhen to See a Healthcare Provider

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Is ADHD?

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Boys

How Is ADHD Diagnosed in Boys?

How Does ADHD Affect Boys?

ADHD Treatment

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Close

ADHDaffects millions of children around the world. In America, a 2022 parent survey placed the number of children diagnosed with ADHD at 7 million, which is up 1 million since 2016. However, this disorder is widely accepted to affect more boys than girls. Around 15% of boys will get an ADHD diagnosis. In comparison, only 8% of girls will receive an ADHD diagnosis.

When observing symptoms of this condition, there can be noticeable differences in how each gender might present ADHD symptoms.

This article discusses how boys display signs of the disorder. Read on to learn about the ADHD diagnosis procedures, plus possible treatment methods.

In addition to attention challenges and hyperactivity, ADHD may also manifest as a lack of self-control. This condition is recognized in people who appear impulsive, rash, inconsiderate, or careless for their age.

This disorder can cause challenges in everyday life. Due to difficulties with focus, a child with ADHD may be more accident-prone, making more visits to the emergency room than other children. This child is also likely to have more problems at school with academics and social relationships and may even struggle with emotional regulation.

ADHD may take the form of a predominantlyinattentive typeor with primarily hyperactive-impulsive behaviors. It can also present as a combination of both.

Know the Differences Between ADD and ADHD

Research shows that boys tend to show moreexternalizing symptoms, such as aggression, whereas girls may manifest higher rates of depression and anxiety. Boys make more impulsive decisions, whereas girls may havedifficulty making decisions. Boys with ADHD are more likely to be tagged as rule-breakers at school, home, or other social environments, whereas girls may struggle with their grades and peer relationships.

There is some association between ADHD and higher rates of suicidal behavior in both genders.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

To be diagnosed with this disorder, you will notice a constant pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsiveness. Another diagnostic tool is electroencephalography (EEG). There are known brain wave patterns that indicate a diagnosis of ADHD, known as an abnormal beta-to-theta ratio.

Inattention

Inattentive symptoms may include:

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms may include:

Six or more symptoms need to be present in children 16 and under and five or more for those seventeen and older. The symptoms need to have been present for six months, cause interference in functioning in two or more settings such as home, school, or work, and have been present before the age of 12.

Clinicians will often use psychological tests and questionnaires in addition to the history and examination to make an accurate ADHD diagnosis.

ADHD tends to present with a more aggressive, energized side in boys. They may struggle with their peers at school and can display defiant or rule-breaking behavior.

ADHD can lead to a more injury-prone life in boys. Teenagers with this disorder are more likely to smoke, drink, dabble in drugs, or develop addictions. It isn’t uncommon for them to run into issues with the law.

Children with ADHD can also develop other psychiatric conditions, such asdepressiveandanxiety disorders.

Can You Join the Military With ADHD?

There are different options available to manage ADHD. However, treatment methods can depend on the child and family.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), parents or caregivers should attempt training in behavior management for children younger than six before trying medications. For children above this age, medication could be used in addition to behavior management strategies.

Medication

Drugs are an established and effective method to manage ADHD symptoms. Medication for this disorder can improve attention and challenging behaviors and may be helpful for improving daily life.

Healthcare providers may try out different medications and doses to determine the right fit for a child’s needs when managing ADHD.

ADHD Medications and Side Effects

Behavior Therapy

ADHD can lead to very disruptive behaviors in children. This can affect interactions with loved ones, teachers, and peers.

Throughbehavior therapy, a child can learn new strategies to modify behaviors that can be challenging to deal with. Classroom modifications can be made, and reward systems can be used in school and at home.

Cognitive Neurotherapy

Another type of therapy is calledneurofeedback. This is done using an EEG-to-computer interface. The electrical feedback is transmitted to a screen in a meaningful way for the individual to interact with. It is sometimes in the form of a video game, a movie, or music.

Positive and negative feedback in real-time allows a child to learn to control their brain activity to improve focus and attention.

New TechnologyThere are even prescription video games that kids can play at home! These can appeal to boys and girls alike.

New Technology

There are even prescription video games that kids can play at home! These can appeal to boys and girls alike.

Where a child displays a persistent pattern of behavior that suggests ADHD, it’s important to visit a health care professional to begin an assessment.

How to Find an ADHD Specialist

Final Thoughts

ADHD can cause challenging symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsiveness. Boys with this disorder may appear to be more disruptive than their peers. When behaviors suggesting ADHD persist over a period of time, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to diagnose and treat the condition.

20 Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Girls

9 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Danielson ML, Claussen AH, Bitsko RH, et al.ADHD prevalence among U.S. children and adolescents in 2022: Diagnosis, severity, co-occurring disorders, and treatment.J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2024;53(3):343-360. doi:10.1080/15374416.2024.2335625InformedHealth.org [Internet].Overview: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2022.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR); 2022. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787Rucklidge JJ.Gender differences in ADHD: Implications for psychosocial treatments.Expert Rev Neurother. 2008;8(4):643-655. doi:10.1586/14737175.8.4.643Kerson C, deBeus R, Lightstone H, et al.EEG theta/beta ratio calculations differ between various EEG neurofeedback and assessment software packages: Clinical interpretation.Clin EEG Neurosci. 2020;51(2):114-120. doi:10.1177/1550059419888320National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics on ADHD.Rucklidge JJ.Gender differences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2010;33(2):357-373. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2010.01.006Wolraich ML, Hagan JF, Allan C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Pediatrics. 2019;144(4):e20192528. doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2528

9 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Danielson ML, Claussen AH, Bitsko RH, et al.ADHD prevalence among U.S. children and adolescents in 2022: Diagnosis, severity, co-occurring disorders, and treatment.J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2024;53(3):343-360. doi:10.1080/15374416.2024.2335625InformedHealth.org [Internet].Overview: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2022.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR); 2022. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787Rucklidge JJ.Gender differences in ADHD: Implications for psychosocial treatments.Expert Rev Neurother. 2008;8(4):643-655. doi:10.1586/14737175.8.4.643Kerson C, deBeus R, Lightstone H, et al.EEG theta/beta ratio calculations differ between various EEG neurofeedback and assessment software packages: Clinical interpretation.Clin EEG Neurosci. 2020;51(2):114-120. doi:10.1177/1550059419888320National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics on ADHD.Rucklidge JJ.Gender differences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2010;33(2):357-373. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2010.01.006Wolraich ML, Hagan JF, Allan C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Pediatrics. 2019;144(4):e20192528. doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2528

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Danielson ML, Claussen AH, Bitsko RH, et al.ADHD prevalence among U.S. children and adolescents in 2022: Diagnosis, severity, co-occurring disorders, and treatment.J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2024;53(3):343-360. doi:10.1080/15374416.2024.2335625InformedHealth.org [Internet].Overview: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2022.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR); 2022. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787Rucklidge JJ.Gender differences in ADHD: Implications for psychosocial treatments.Expert Rev Neurother. 2008;8(4):643-655. doi:10.1586/14737175.8.4.643Kerson C, deBeus R, Lightstone H, et al.EEG theta/beta ratio calculations differ between various EEG neurofeedback and assessment software packages: Clinical interpretation.Clin EEG Neurosci. 2020;51(2):114-120. doi:10.1177/1550059419888320National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics on ADHD.Rucklidge JJ.Gender differences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2010;33(2):357-373. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2010.01.006Wolraich ML, Hagan JF, Allan C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Pediatrics. 2019;144(4):e20192528. doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2528

Danielson ML, Claussen AH, Bitsko RH, et al.ADHD prevalence among U.S. children and adolescents in 2022: Diagnosis, severity, co-occurring disorders, and treatment.J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2024;53(3):343-360. doi:10.1080/15374416.2024.2335625

InformedHealth.org [Internet].Overview: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2022.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR); 2022. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

Rucklidge JJ.Gender differences in ADHD: Implications for psychosocial treatments.Expert Rev Neurother. 2008;8(4):643-655. doi:10.1586/14737175.8.4.643

Kerson C, deBeus R, Lightstone H, et al.EEG theta/beta ratio calculations differ between various EEG neurofeedback and assessment software packages: Clinical interpretation.Clin EEG Neurosci. 2020;51(2):114-120. doi:10.1177/1550059419888320

National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics on ADHD.

Rucklidge JJ.Gender differences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2010;33(2):357-373. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2010.01.006

Wolraich ML, Hagan JF, Allan C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Pediatrics. 2019;144(4):e20192528. doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2528

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