23 Signs Of ADHD That Can Show Up In Girls

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) appears much more likely to fly under the radar in the girls. Yet the consequences of this can be harmful. 

If ADHD goes undiagnosed, it can negatively impact girls’ self-esteem and mental health. 

Girls are “more likely to blame themselves, turning their anger and pain inward”, according to the Child Mind Institute, which noted they’re also more likely to experience depression, anxiety and eating disorders than those without ADHD.

Mark Pattison, CEO and Founder of Care ADHD, previously told HuffPost UK that in girls and women in particular, ADHD can present as inattentiveness, so they might be easily distracted or day dream often. 

“They may also seem forgetful, disorganised, and perhaps find it difficult to get started on something, or see things through,” he said.

Inattentiveness can also look like frequently losing things and avoiding tasks that require lots of concentration.

In addition to the broader umbrella symptom of inattentiveness, girls can also experience hyperactivity as a result of ADHD.

“Think fidgeting, talking excessively, or interrupting,” said Pattison. “Many women and girls report a sense of inner restlessness, and a racing mind full of thoughts.”

According to Oxford CBT, young girls with ADHD can also experience intense emotional reactions, such as excessive crying or frustration.

They might also find it difficult to manage emotional responses, become easily overwhelmed, be very sensitive to criticism or conflict, or internalise feelings, which can lead to anxiety or depression.

Impulsivity is another sign of ADHD, and in young girls this might look like blurting out answers or inappropriate comments, making fast decisions without considering consequences, or struggling to wait their turn in games.

Some of these might bleed into their social lives, too. Children with ADHD might struggle to maintain friendships due to emotional outbursts or impulsivity, interrupt games or conversations, or come across as “bossy” or “overbearing” when playing with others, noted Oxford CBT.

If you suspect your child might have undiagnosed ADHD, Pattison advised parents to talk with them and help them describe their challenges, noting patterns and day-to-day impact.

It can also be helpful to speak with your child’s school about what they’re noticing – they can then refer you to their special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO).

If you think your child needs additional support, or find the support at home and school isn’t helping them, you can ask your GP or SENCO about referral for an ADHD assessment.