5 Ways ADHD Symptoms Manifest Differently in Teen Girls
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lot more common today, especially when compared to just five years ago. Despite that, there are still a lot of unknowns or new discoveries that have come along with it.
In the past, ADHD was known as mainly affecting boys or men. As the years have passed and the understanding of ADHD has grown, more girls and women are being diagnosed with ADHD.
One of the main reasons that ADHD was misdiagnosed or misunderstood in females was due to how different it can look in females compared to the signs and symptoms shown in males.
Here are 5 ways that ADHD symptoms manifest differently in teen girls.
1. Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is a common sign and symptom of ADHD. Having excessive movement, even in inappropriate settings is usually what we think of with ADHD. Taking a liking to physical activity — with less focus on activities that their female counterparts like — is something that could set girls apart in this symptom category. Hyperactivity may not just present itself in being active physically, either. Aggression, talking a lot, and doodling could be other signs of hyperactivity in teen girls.
2. Daydreaming
ADHD in females tends to present itself in an inattentive way. Teenage girls with ADHD may spend their day looking out the window, staring at animals, or getting caught up in their own thoughts. When ADHD presents itself in these ways, it can make the person struggling appear to be ditzy rather than appearing to be struggling with a mental disorder.
3. Hyperfocus
Many males with ADHD tend to have a difficult time paying attention or focusing on tasks at hand. On the other hand, females try to hyperfocus when they become distracted. Girls will still become distracted by certain events, but they’ll try to compensate for becoming distracted by focusing all of their efforts on something that interests them.
Parents or teachers may have a difficult time diagnosing this as a sign of ADHD because it will look like an interest or passion rather than a potential problem.
4. Lack of Control
Teenage girls with ADHD can be extremely talkative and impulsive. This lack of control can cause them to interrupt others and frequently change the topic of conversation. Teen girls with ADHD tend to speak before they think, which can cause them to say things they don’t really mean because they’re not thinking about it ahead of time. The lack of control also goes hand in hand with their emotions. Teen girls with ADHD tend to be extremely emotional as well.
5. Social Problems
Teenage girls with ADHD also have a more challenging time when it comes to forming and building relationships. They may have a handful of friends, but the relationships may include a lot more conflicts compared to people without ADHD. Someone with ADHD has a harder time picking up on social cues or paying attention to someone’s wants and needs — which are crucial when making friends.
ADHD can cause problems with someone’s ability to pay attention. It can also cause impulsivity and can be hard for someone struggling to not interrupt when involved in conversations. This can cause issues with their existing relationships and any relationships they have moving forward.
How to Manage ADHD as a Teenage Girl
Reaching out for additional support is one of the best things you can do if you or a loved one is struggling with signs or symptoms of ADHD, as a licensed and trained mental health professional will be able to properly diagnose the disorder. Once properly diagnosed, they’ll be able to work with you to provide coping mechanisms in order to move forward again. You’re not alone if you or a loved one is struggling with ADHD. We’re here to help you better manage it moving forward. Reach out today to set up a consultation.