The Manifestation of ADHD in Biological Boys and Girls

Overview of ADHD

The DSM-5 defines Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a “neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by a pattern of inattention, disorganization, and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity.” Not everyone who exhibits symptoms of ADHD display the same characteristics, and gender can also impact how symptoms are displayed. The symptoms of ADHD vary from person to person, though the most common symptoms of ADHD include: Impulsiveness, difficulty focusing or staying on task, hyperactivity, frequent forgetfulness, and frequent mood swings (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Although these are very common symptoms of ADHD, this disorder can manifest and present in different ways based on gender and age.  

ADHD in Biological Boys

Biological boys have been reported to typically display more outwardly visible ADHD symptoms, which have come to be viewed as the standard way ADHD presents itself. Many of the behaviors that are commonly exhibited by  biological boys are seen as disruptive. These symptoms have shaped both treatment approaches and general expectations of what ADHD looks like across all genders (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).  

Commonly portrayed symptoms by biological boys include:

• Hyperactivity
• Fidgeting
• Excessive talking
• Impulsivity
• Easily distracted
• Interrupting
• Frequent changes in activities
• Difficulties perceiving danger 

ADHD in Biological Girls

Biological girls have been reported to typically display more internalized ADHD symptoms. Unlike the more visible hyperactive behaviors commonly seen in boys, these internalized symptoms can be harder to detect, which  often delays diagnosis and treatment. Girls’ symptoms may be commonly misinterpreted as personality traits, dismissed as normal behavior, or mistaken for other conditions like anxiety or depression (CHADD, 2024).

Commonly portrayed symptoms by biological girls include:

• Inattentiveness
• Emotional dysregulation
• Difficulty focusing 
• Forgetfulness
• Avoidance of mentally taxing tasks
• Low self-esteem/Self-harm
• “Daydreamy”
• Difficulty maintaining social relationships 

Parental Advice and Clinical Interventions

If you notice that your child exhibits any of these symptoms and they are persistent across various settings (i.e., school and home), an ADHD evaluation may be appropriate. 

After a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment options vary for each patient. Many treatment plans include: medications, psychoeducation, and individual or family treatment. A combination approach is typically most effective for most patients (Mayo Clinic, 2023). 

If you are interested in pursuing a consultation, evaluation, or treatment for your child, please contact the Sunfield Center to start the process. You can contact our team by calling (734) 929-4596, or by filling out an appointment request form on our website: https://sunfieldcenter.com/contact-us/.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 23). ADHD Screening https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/24758-adhd-screening

Cleveland Clinic. (2024, October 11). How are ADHD symptoms different in boys and girls? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/adhd-symptoms-boys-vs-girls  

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, January 25). Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878 

Skogli, E. W., Teicher, M. H., Andersen, P. N., Hovik, K. T., & Øie, M. (2013, November 9). ADHD in girls and boys–gender differences in co-existing symptoms and executive function measures. BMC psychiatry. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3827008/   

Symptoms of ADHD in women and girls. CHADD. (2024, February 7). https://chadd.org/for-adults/symptoms-of-adhd-in-women-and-girls/