ADHD and girls
What impact does ADHD have on girls? We discuss the symptoms of ADHD and girls, the pitfalls of diagnosis. We also look at the consequences of a late or diagnosis in terms of school, job, social interaction. Finally, we also find out about additional characteristics of ADHD as depression, anxiety or low self-esteem.
ADHD in girls
ADHD is essentially a disorder of self-control, and this shows in many different symptoms. ADHD is classified according to their (best known) symptoms into three types, the unwary (Formerly called ADD, about 20-30% of people with ADHD), the hyperactive and the impulsive type, or a combination of them. The inattentive type is often missed by teachers and social workers because of its rather unremarkable symptoms. Symptoms change over the course of a person's life, often especially during puberty and menopause. There are also differences in symptoms between women and men.
Symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD and girls
Girls with ADHD, as mentioned above, often mainly suffer from a lack of concentration problems with also an inner turmoil, and this behaviour is not as visible to others. They often also feel more insecure (e.g. about their own bodies) and inferior compared to boys. So these are less obvious symptoms of ADHD than in boys. As a result, the diagnosis is often missed or established much too late
Impact on girls' lives
The impact of an incorrect or late examination of ADHD with girls is often significant. It can cause problems at school, later at work and also in social relationships. Girls with ADHD are more likely to develop depression, anxiety in social contact, eating problems or another mental problem. This often occurs in adolescence but also later in ADHD in adults. It is therefore very important that treatment in girls also focuses on the symptoms that are less visible. And focuses on the own challenges that girls often face.
Call for alert
What is crucial is to be very attentive to the hidden signals that girls with ADHD give. And to engage in dialogue about them. Early detection and diagnostics are essential to help these girls. Not only parents, but also teachers and social workers must learn to be more aware of the difference in ADHD symptoms of girls and boys.
Other co-occurring disorders of girls with ADHD
Learning disabilities: including dyslexia (reading difficulties) and dyspraxia (problems with physical coordination)
Sleep disorders: difficulty falling asleep with irregular sleep
Anxiety disorders: often also accompanied by a faster heart rate, excessive sweating and dizziness
Rebelliousness: negativism, disruptive behaviour, often directed at teachers and one's own parents; more common in boys
Gilles de la Tourette - a disorder of the nervous system, with involuntary sound-making and movement (e.g. tics)
Depressive feelings
Autism spectrum disorder
Epilepsy
Psychologists
Jan Schrans
Approval Numer: 641104942 jan.schrans@gmail.com
Sabine Vranken
Approval Number: 692109216 psysabinevranken@gmail.com
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