Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is ADHD?Signs and SymptomsHow ADHD Affects Teen GirlsWhy ADHD Goes Undiagnosed in GirlsHow to Support Your Child

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Is ADHD?

Signs and Symptoms

How ADHD Affects Teen Girls

Why ADHD Goes Undiagnosed in Girls

How to Support Your Child

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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is aneurodevelopmental disorderthat impacts essential cognitive functioning likefocusandmotivation.

It is most often diagnosed during childhood. Symptoms of ADHD include a consistent pattern ofinattentionand/or hyperactivity.In addition, boys are diagnosed with ADHD at a higher rate than girls.

This article will provide insight into what ADHD is, how to spot ADHD in teenage girls, and why ADHD in girls can goundiagnoseduntil much later in life.

Overview of ADHD

How Does ADHD Impact Life in Childhood?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can impact daily functioning and responsibilities likeschool,work, andinterpersonal relationshipsin boys and girls.

While this disorder is most commonly diagnosed amongstchildrenandadolescents, it is also possible foradultsto receive this diagnosis, although they would have had undiagnosed symptoms in childhood. It is a disorder that can impact folks throughout their lifespan, but finding the proper treatment and support can significantly decrease the intensity of this condition.

According to the CDC, boys make up 12.9% of all children diagnosed with ADHD. Just 5.6% ofgirls are diagnosed with ADHD, meaning boys are diagnosed with this condition at double the rate of girls.

Symptoms of ADHD include:

Checklist for ADHD Symptoms in Kids

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Teenage Girls

While the symptom checklist for ADHD is thesame for both boys and girls, how the symptoms present can be quite different. There arethree subtypes of ADHD, and a recent study states that girls more commonly tend to have ADHD with aninattentivepresentation. More boys are diagnosed with thehyperactive-impulsivepresentation than girls.

When looking out for signs of ADHD in the classroom, teachers are much more likely to notice a child who is acting out, can’t sit still, and is consistently speaking out of turn. These signs of ADHD align with the hyperactive-impulsive presentation of ADHD that boys tend to present with more frequently. This means that more boys are evaluated and eventually diagnosed with ADHD.

Why Is My Child So Hyper? ADHD vs. High Energy

Inattentive presentation, which girls commonly exhibit, can be easily missed since it isn’t as disruptive as hyperactive-impulsive presentation. It can be misinterpreted as a gendered personality trait, such as assuming a girl is shy, moody, or socially awkward.

Symptoms of inattention among girls include:

RecapThe symptoms of inattention tend to be internal and easily overlooked, whereas hyperactive and impulsive symptoms are external and visible to others. Some can overlook inattention as a mere personality trait that is unique to the individual rather than part of a challenging neurodevelopmental condition.

Recap

The symptoms of inattention tend to be internal and easily overlooked, whereas hyperactive and impulsive symptoms are external and visible to others. Some can overlook inattention as a mere personality trait that is unique to the individual rather than part of a challenging neurodevelopmental condition.

How Does ADHD Affect Teenage Girls?

ADHD, especially when untreated, can significantly impact teenage girls. When puberty begins, for example, they can be written off as being simplyoverly emotionalor even hormonal rather than experiencing symptoms of ADHD.

In turn, this can cause girls to become anxious and withdrawn and internalize these symptoms.Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to significant emotional and behavioral issues and challenges in school.

Why Can ADHD in Girls Often Go Undiagnosed?

Of note, in one study, adult women reported more severe symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity than men, suggesting that childhood symptoms of ADHD may have gone unnoticed in girls.

How You Can Support Your Child

Checking In With Others That Spend Time with Your Teen

Checking in with your child’s teachers, coaches, extracurricular leaders, and other parents who spend time with your child is a great place to start when gathering more information about whether attentional challenges are present.

Even if you believe your child might just be a quiet daydreamer who is shy or an active tomboy who loves to play rough, it is worth chatting with a professional to ensure you aren’t overlooking any symptoms of ADHD.

Support a Healthy Lifestyle

Living a healthy, balanced lifestyle as a teenager can be challenging. However, to avoid making ADHD symptoms worse, it is essential to get adequate rest and maintain a healthy lifestyle. As a parent or caregiver, it is crucial to ensure the availability of nutritious food and drink options, encourage physical activity (sports, nature walks, etc), and help your teen create a schedule that will optimize their health and well-being.

ADHD Diet for Kids

Be Patient and Provide Non-Judgmental Support

Maintaining a non-judgmental and open line of communication with your child is also very important. This can encourage your child to be honest with you and regard your relationship asone place where they don’t have to mask their symptoms.

Seek Professional Help

Your teenage daughter may need to see a counselor or therapist to sort through their feelings and develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. There are also alternative treatment methods to explore, such asneurotherapy.

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself

Finally, seeking support for yourself as a parent is also vital.Finding your own therapistcan ensure that you’re tending to your emotional needs so you can be as present as possible for your child. You might also consider looking for asupport groupto learn and share with others in similar circumstances.

Parenting Strategies to Help Your Child with ADHD

Final Thoughts

Being a parent is one of the greatest gifts and most challenging roles. While it can be scary to consider if your child is suffering, it can be life-changing for your child to receive unconditional support during a tough time. That being said, it is equally important you provide yourself with the same level of support. You’re not alone, and you deserve the same amount of care you give to others.

I Think I Have ADHD: What to Do and Where to Go

6 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.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Skogli EW, Teicher MH, Andersen PN, Hovik KT, Øie M.ADHD in girls and boys – Gender differences in co-existing symptoms and executive function measures.BMC Psychiatry. 2013;13(1):298. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-13-298ADDitude.ADHD in girls: The symptoms that are ignored in females.Quinn PO, Madhoo M.A review of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in women and girls: Uncovering this hidden diagnosis.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. doi:10.4088/pcc.13r01596Vildalen VU, Brevik EJ, Haavik J, Lundervold AJ.Females with ADHD report more severe symptoms than males on the adult ADHD self-report scale.J Atten Disord. 2019;23(9):959-967. doi:10.1177/1087054716659362

6 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.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Skogli EW, Teicher MH, Andersen PN, Hovik KT, Øie M.ADHD in girls and boys – Gender differences in co-existing symptoms and executive function measures.BMC Psychiatry. 2013;13(1):298. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-13-298ADDitude.ADHD in girls: The symptoms that are ignored in females.Quinn PO, Madhoo M.A review of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in women and girls: Uncovering this hidden diagnosis.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. doi:10.4088/pcc.13r01596Vildalen VU, Brevik EJ, Haavik J, Lundervold AJ.Females with ADHD report more severe symptoms than males on the adult ADHD self-report scale.J Atten Disord. 2019;23(9):959-967. doi:10.1177/1087054716659362

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.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Skogli EW, Teicher MH, Andersen PN, Hovik KT, Øie M.ADHD in girls and boys – Gender differences in co-existing symptoms and executive function measures.BMC Psychiatry. 2013;13(1):298. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-13-298ADDitude.ADHD in girls: The symptoms that are ignored in females.Quinn PO, Madhoo M.A review of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in women and girls: Uncovering this hidden diagnosis.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. doi:10.4088/pcc.13r01596Vildalen VU, Brevik EJ, Haavik J, Lundervold AJ.Females with ADHD report more severe symptoms than males on the adult ADHD self-report scale.J Atten Disord. 2019;23(9):959-967. doi:10.1177/1087054716659362

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

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

Skogli EW, Teicher MH, Andersen PN, Hovik KT, Øie M.ADHD in girls and boys – Gender differences in co-existing symptoms and executive function measures.BMC Psychiatry. 2013;13(1):298. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-13-298

ADDitude.ADHD in girls: The symptoms that are ignored in females.

Quinn PO, Madhoo M.A review of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in women and girls: Uncovering this hidden diagnosis.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. doi:10.4088/pcc.13r01596

Vildalen VU, Brevik EJ, Haavik J, Lundervold AJ.Females with ADHD report more severe symptoms than males on the adult ADHD self-report scale.J Atten Disord. 2019;23(9):959-967. doi:10.1177/1087054716659362

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