Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental condition in children. In the United States, about 7 million kids ages 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. If your child has ADHD, you may be wondering, “does ADHD affect boys and girls differently?”
Yes, it does. In fact, the differences can be so different that girls may have delayed or missed diagnoses. Here’s an in-depth look at how ADHD symptoms show up in boys versus girls, why girls are often overlooked, and what signs to watch for if you think your child needs support.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain manages focus, self-control, and activity levels. Children with ADHD may find it more difficult to stay on task or manage their impulses, including in places like school.
Symptoms of ADHD can be divided into two categories:
- Inattention (e.g., trouble staying focused, following directions, or finishing tasks)
- Hyperactivity and impulsivity (e.g., acting without thinking or interrupting others)
For an ADHD diagnosis, these symptoms must happen frequently, last for several months, and cause issues at home, school, or with friends.
How ADHD is Diagnosed
A psychiatrist or other mental health professional will gather information about a child’s behavior and history. This will include feedback from parents, teachers, and caregivers who see the child in different environments. Doctors will also need to rule out other conditions that might look like ADHD or that could be happening at the same time, like learning or mood disorders.
Children age 16 and younger must show six or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Teens age 17 and older must show five or more symptoms in either category.
ADHD Symptoms in Boys vs. Girls
ADHD symptoms begin in early childhood and can continue into adolescence and adulthood. However, the symptoms can look different depending on gender.
Common ADHD Symptoms in Boys
Boys are more likely to show externalized symptoms. These may include:
- Fidgeting or getting out of their seat
- Interrupting others or talking nonstop
- Acting out in class or at home
- Trouble staying still or waiting their turn
Boys with ADHD are also more likely to show physical aggression or take risks. As these behaviors are disruptive, teachers are often the first to notice them. This can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment in boys.
Common ADHD Symptoms in Girls
Girls with ADHD usually show more internalized symptoms. These may include:
- Daydreaming during conversations or lessons
- Struggling to stay organized or complete tasks
- Being easily distracted or zoning
Instead of being seen as hyperactive, girls can be seen as shy, forgetful, or lazy. Research also shows that girls with ADHD may have more emotional challenges than boys. They’re more likely to experience anxiety, low self-esteem, and sadness, and may also use verbal aggression when upset.
Why ADHD is Often Missed in Girls
Girls with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or get diagnosed later in life. Per the CDC, 15% of boys are diagnosed with ADHD, while only 8% of girls receive the same diagnosis. This gap is mainly due to their symptoms being harder to spot.
ADHD Gender Bias
Early ADHD research focused on boys more than girls. As a result, the signs of ADHD in girls are frequently missed or misunderstood. This delay in diagnosis can affect self-esteem, relationships, and mental health.
How ADHD Affects Boys vs. Girls
ADHD can affect various aspects of life for boys and girls; however, it does so in different ways. Here’s how:
Academics and Socialization
Boys with ADHD may face more disciplinary action, like being written up or suspended from school because their behavior is more disruptive. Conversely, girls with ADHD are more likely to fall behind in school because they miss instructions, struggle to keep up, or are disorganized.
Socially, many girls are bullied for not fitting in. Their peers may see them as overly emotional, spacey, or awkward. Society also expects girls to be in control of their emotions and caring; however, girls with ADHD can struggle to meet those expectations. This perceived failure can result in rejection sensitivity.
Comorbid Mental Health Conditions
Boys with ADHD are more likely to have behavioral or developmental conditions like:
- Learning disabilities
- Tic disorders
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
- Conduct disorder
Girls, on the other hand, are more likely to experience emotional or mood-related disorders, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Sleep disorders
Signs Your Child Needs ADHD Treatment
Some signs of ADHD can be easy to miss or mistaken for laziness, but when they start to affect how your child learns, connects with others, or feels good about themselves, it’s time to get help. Watch for patterns like:
- Trouble focusing at school or keeping up with homework
- Frequent meltdowns, mood swings, or emotional outbursts
- Impulsive behavior or acting without thinking
- Always losing things or forgetting tasks
- Withdrawing socially or avoiding group activities
- Showing signs of perfectionism, anxiety, or fear of failure
What Happens if ADHD Goes Untreated?
When ADHD isn’t recognized or treated, the consequences can ripple throughout a child’s life. Girls with undiagnosed ADHD, for example, are more likely to blame themselves for their struggles. They may feel like they’re always falling short, even when they’re trying their best.
This constant self-criticism can lead to low self-esteem, and over time, it increases the risk for:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse
Boys can be susceptible to these consequences as well later on in life as their symptoms may become more internalized with maturity.
Treat Your Child’s ADHD at Cura Behavioral Health
If you’ve noticed signs of ADHD in your child, it’s important to get care as soon as possible. At Cura Behavioral Health, we understand that ADHD looks different in every child, which is why all of our treatment plans are unique to yours. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation.
Sources:
- Data and Statistics on ADHD – CDC
- Diagnosing ADHD – CDC
- The road to diagnosis and treatment in girls and boys with ADHD – gender differences in the diagnostic process – Nordic Journal of Psychiatry
- Rejection Sensitivity Is Worse for Girls and Women with ADHD – ADDitude
- Sex differences in psychiatric comorbidities of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among children, adolescents, and adults: A nationwide population-based cohort study – PLOS One
- ADHD in Girls – Pfizer
