Why ADD Often Goes Undiagnosed in Girls

Boys are constantly being diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and it is commonly assumed that girls just don't tend to have problems with it. That is a very wrong assumption, the rate is actually about equal for both sexes. Many women grow up suffering from ADD and never know what is wrong with them. Some are treated, but for depression, not ADD.

The reason ADD is often misdiagnosed or missed entirely in girls is because the symptoms can be very different than those in boys. Also, boys usually have ADD in conjunction with hyperactivity, making it a far more noticeable disorder for them, commonly known as ADHD.

Girls with ADD will tend to be daydreamers and are quite unorganized. This isn´t just because they are messy, it comes directly from the disorder itself. Later, in the teen years, these girls often become depressed and may be known as party girls.While attention deficit boys tend to become extremely active, girls tend to daydream, being active in their heads instead of physically. This means that they will not usually be diagnosed with any problems. This is especially true in a classroom setting where an ADHD boy will go crazy, climbing on desks and running around and a girl will usually just space out.

In general, girls are expected to be fairly well organized and set up. However, with ADD, it is difficult for girls and boys alike to focus enough to do such organizational tasks as clean their rooms or stay on top of homework. In the high school years, this often becomes completely unmanageable and even decent students will find themselves finding behind. Some girls become socialites to combat their insecurities as students.

The disorder tends to create teens who love risk. They may engage in more crazy activities, such as multiple sexual partners, drugs, shoplifting and other destructive behavior. Some will become delinquents without ever realizing that they have ADD. Other will fall into depression and be put on antidepressants, which is not an adequate medication for attention deficit order.

It is important for parents and teachers to be aware that girls can be affected just as badly as boys by attention deficit disorder. However, the problems increase with age and since girls are not likely to be treated, they may progress far beyond most boys with ADD. With the proper medication and understanding, girls can find it easier to concentrate in school and to accomplish what they want to in life, without falling into a deep depression. So, know the symptoms, know that girls can have ADD as well and keep an eye out for it.