Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Girls

In the last decade, attention deficit disorder had been the focus of much media and medical attention. Most of the research and discussion has centered on boys, but young girls also suffer from ADHD. Recent research shows that ADD is just as common in girls as it is in boys, but a girl's symptoms may differ significantly from those of a boy. Because many girls lack the hyperactive component that indicates a problem in boys, many girls aren't correctly diagnosed.

While many boys with ADHD respond to excessive stimulation by acting in socially inappropriate ways, girls with ADD will often retreat and become quiet and withdrawn. When noise or external stimuli agitate a girl with this type of ADD, she will often become quiet and shy. Following instructions may be difficult for her, and her social functioning may be impaired. ADD that manifests as "dreaminess" often goes undiagnosed because behavior problems with this type of ADD are rare.

Other girls with ADD may manifest in an opposite way by being excitable and outgoing. They are frequently seen as very social, but find it hard to complete a thought or stay on task. They frequently interrupt others and may have difficulty fitting in with their peer group because of her inability to listen to others without frequent interruptions or topic changes. There are some school behavior problems with this type of ADD. Parents may find themselves at frequent conferences because their daughter's behavior disrupts class and disturbs other students.

While it is less common in girls, some do exhibit the standard hyperactivity of ADHD. They engage in risk-seeking behavior and may become physically aggressive when they are overwhelmed by external stimuli. Girls with this subtype of ADD are usually diagnosed and treated as early as preschool, when girls with less disruptive behavior patterns are often not diagnosed until they are well into middle school when schoolwork begins to suffer.

Treatment for girls with ADD often starts with behavior modification therapy. Girls can be taught coping skills that are more appropriate for school and social settings. If coaching and behavior modification fail to control the symptoms, medication can be prescribed, but for most doctors, medication is used as a last resort.

It is important to remember that while many children exhibit some behaviors that could indicate ADD, unless the behaviors significantly impair their functioning, it is unlikely that your child has ADD. If you are concerned about your child's behavior or academic performance, contact your child's pediatrician.