Did you know that just as many girls as boys may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
More than twice as many boys as girls (13.2% versus 5.1%) were diagnosed with ADHD in the United States in 2007. However, the difference may indicate a difference in diagnosis, not incidence, of the condition.
Girls are less likely to be hyperactive and more likely to display symptoms of inattentive ADHD such as difficulty following instructions, disorganization, or being easily distracted. These symptoms may go unrecognized — especially in comparison to boys with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms who may wreak havoc at home or in classrooms.
As a result, girls are also less likely to obtain treatment, and often go through school undiagnosed and quietly failing because of their wandering attention.
Learn more about ADHD.