Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common, but it can be difficult to detect.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ADHD is usually first diagnosed in childhood and is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
Symptoms of ADHD in children may include decreased attention, difficulty controlling impulsive behavior, and displaying periods of hyperactivity.
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However, how these symptoms appear in boys and girls, and ultimately in men and women, can make a big difference in diagnosis.
Sabrina Nasta, a licensed mental health counselor in Orange Park, Florida, told FOX News Digital that ADHD can manifest in three different ways: inattention, hyperactivity, and a combination of the two.
Experts say the symptoms of ADHD can be very different in men than in women. (St. Petersburg)
For women, Nasta says, ADHD most commonly manifests as inattention, which includes an inability to pay attention, being easily distracted, and lack of compliance.
For men, experts said ADHD can cause them to be hyperactive, causing problems with sitting still or wanting to be “doing something” all the time.
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McCall Letterle, head of U.S. commercial for ADHD assessment company Qbtech, also commented on these differences in a conversation with FOX News Digital.
Many of the symptoms, such as hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, are the same, but it’s the way they present that makes the difference between men and women, an Atlanta-based expert says. did.
Girls with ADHD may be sitting still in class, but they’re “not paying attention,” experts say. (St. Petersburg)
Based on lifestyle and age, struggles with discipline seem to be a common feature of ADHD in men and women, Nasta added.
For example, in boys, ADHD manifests as “unnecessary” hyperactive energy. Experts say they don’t have the ability to do nothing.
The same carelessness can occur in girls, but most likely it is internalized.
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“They may be sitting in a classroom, they may be sitting still, but they’re not paying attention,” Nasta said.
“It’s difficult for girls because it makes them look like they’re rebelling or disobedient,” she says. [but] For boys, [it seems that] They’re just stupid and hyper. ”
Underdiagnosis of women
Letterle said differences in ADHD symptoms lead to “a large number of women being underdiagnosed.”
“this [disorder] “It was first studied in men, and the criteria were developed around symptoms most commonly seen in boys,” she told FOX News Digital.
One mental health expert suggested that early studies of ADHD in boys and men may have led to misdiagnosis in women. (St. Petersburg)
“These are also the most obvious symptoms that often occur in the classroom, such as hyperactivity, inability to sit still, interruptions, and difficulty concentrating, leading to associated behavioral problems,” Letard said. added.
Letard says some women experience these hyperactivity symptoms, but they’re not the most common symptoms and they look different when they do occur.
“Women tend to have more internalized symptoms,” she says.
“For example, their inattention is much more difficult to recognize than in boys because it can appear as daydreaming or introverted distractions.”
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Letard pointed to the “external influence” of these ADHD symptoms in girls, resulting in “high rates of anxiety” due to lack of information at school.
Female students often have to work twice as hard as other girls to retain information and meet academic standards, and these challenges result in them feeling low levels of self-confidence, she said. added.
Girls with ADHD can experience “high levels of anxiety,” according to mental health experts. (St. Petersburg)
“Subjectively, it’s much harder to identify than a bunch of distracted boys who are struggling to stay focused and poking the person next to them.”
These mutations result in a “huge difference in diagnostic rates” between girls and boys, Lattell said.
Boys are often diagnosed and treated earlier than girls because symptoms are easier to identify, she added.
Individual remedies
One of the best ways to deal with ADHD is to educate yourself or your child on the best ways to function in different environments, Nasta said.
Strategies she recommended include practicing mindfulness and self-awareness to develop the best strategy for any situation.
Stress management is another great coping tool, especially for boys, Nasta added.
Giving children with ADHD time to de-stress is an important coping strategy, experts say. (St. Petersburg)
For children, stress management means participating in leisure activities and hobbies, such as playing video games and hanging out with friends.
“It’s about allowing them to release that energy in a more supportive way,” Nasta said.
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ADHD in boys and girls can be difficult to identify even for parents (parents, guardians, and even teachers) if they lack the “appropriate tools” to make “more accurate referrals” Mr. Letard pointed out that there is.
To overcome this challenge, Nasta encouraged caretakers to “listen more.”
“If parents are really paying attention and the child is trying, it could be a neurological or neurodevelopmental issue rather than just struggling emotionally,” she says. .
In boys, ADHD manifests as “unnecessary” hyperactive energy. Experts say they “don’t have the capacity to do nothing.” (St. Petersburg)
It may be helpful for parents to “be more curious” and ask questions about their children’s feelings when they’re feeling overwhelmed, Nasta suggested.
“What do you experience when you’re overwhelmed? Can you concentrate? Can you pay attention to the teacher? Are you aware of what your thoughts are doing?” listed as.
“If it seems really concerning and bothersome, I think that’s the time to talk to a professional.”
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Early intervention for ADHD is “critical to reducing suicide rates, job instability, and substance abuse in untreated populations,” said Lattell.
“The diagnostic process is largely relegated to subjective rating scales, creating a dire need for clinicians to begin adopting a more data-driven approach to symptom measurement,” she added.
Experts say impairments in basic hygiene, finances, academic ability or communication skills may indicate the need for an ADHD evaluation. (St. Petersburg)
“Objective data compares performance in three core symptom areas to age- and gender-matched controls without ADHD. “It means being compared to other women,” the expert said.
When to ask for help
While the term “ADHD” is often used to describe a person’s lack of focus, Nasta listed some warning signs that could indicate an actual diagnosis.
Experts said they monitor daily responsibilities such as hygiene, finances, schoolwork, and even basic social skills such as listening and communication.
“If you notice a disability or deficit in any of these, I think it’s time to talk to someone,” she advised.
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For people who aren’t sure about their symptoms, Letard recommends finding a provider who uses objective data to give you a comprehensive evaluation.
”[This] “This will not only ensure more accurate diagnoses, but also help remove the stigma that leads to high rates of underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis in women,” she said.
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