June 7, 2018, 3:15 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
When children are often restless, impulsive, and inattentive, ADHD is often suspected. However, girls with this disorder often show different symptoms. For them, it’s more about being talkative and daydreaming.
When people think of ADHD, they usually think of hyperactive children who quickly lose patience. But in girls, the disorder often manifests differently–leading to it being less frequently recognized in them.
Parents should, for example, be alert if their daughter talks incessantly, is internally restless, and experiences strong mood swings. Forgetfulness, daydreaming, a very slow work pace, or low self-confidence can also be signs, explains Klaus Skrodzki, a board member of the ADHD Working Group in the Professional Association of Pediatricians and Adolescent Doctors (BVKJ).
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Girls often want to hide their illness
The problem: All these characteristics are less noticeable than the more well-known ADHD symptoms of hyperactivity and aggressive behavior, says Skrodzki. Girls also try more often than boys to hide their illness by adapting as best they can. Doctors therefore also refer to it in girls as a “hidden disorder.”
If ADHD goes unrecognized, affected girls may later develop comorbidities such as depression, an eating disorder, or an anxiety disorder. They are also more at risk of addiction than healthy girls.