ADHD Symptoms in Girls Can Be Different to Boys

When most people think of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), they often picture a hyperactive, impulsive young boy bouncing off the walls and constantly getting into trouble. But that picture doesn’t always fit when it comes to girls. Many girls with ADHD go undiagnosed for years, sometimes well into adulthood, because their symptoms are often subtler, internalised, or misinterpreted.

In this blog, we’ll explore how ADHD symptoms often present differently in girls, why they’re often missed or misunderstood, and what signs parents, teachers, and caregivers should look out for.

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Understanding ADHD: A Quick Overview

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to regulate attention, behaviour, and emotions. It’s typically divided into three types:

1. Inattentive type (formerly known as ADD)
2. Hyperactive-impulsive type
3. Combined type (a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive)

ADHD is equally common in boys and girls, but boys are far more likely to be diagnosed, partly because their symptoms tend to be more disruptive and noticeable. Girls often slip under the radar because their symptoms are quieter, more internal, or mistaken for personality traits like shyness or dreaminess.

Why ADHD Is Often Missed in Girls

Here are a few key reasons why ADHD in girls is commonly overlooked:

• Girls are more likely to have the inattentive type, which doesn’t involve disruptive behaviour.
• Their symptoms are often chalked up to being “emotional,” “moody,” or “daydreamy.”
• Girls may work harder to mask their symptoms due to social pressures.
• Teachers and parents might not be trained to recognise non-traditional presentations of ADHD.

This leads to many girls being misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or learning disorders, or not being diagnosed at all until adolescence or adulthood.

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ADHD Symptoms in Girls: What to Look Out For

Let’s break down some of the common (but often overlooked) symptoms of ADHD in girls. Keep in mind, no two girls with ADHD will look exactly alike, but many share the following patterns:

1. Excessive Daydreaming or “Spacing Out”

Girls with ADHD may spend large amounts of time in their heads, not out of disobedience, but because they struggle to focus. Teachers may describe them as:

• Quiet
• Easily distracted
• “Not paying attention”
• Always lost in thought

This may seem harmless, but it can interfere significantly with learning and social development.

2. Difficulty Following Through on Tasks

Girls with ADHD may:

• Start homework or chores, but never finish
• Forget instructions quickly
• Struggle with organisation and time management
• Have messy backpacks or desks

These difficulties are often mistaken for laziness or lack of discipline, but they’re executive function challenges, a core feature of ADHD.

3. Talkativeness and Interrupting

Some girls may present with hyperverbal behaviour:

• Talking excessively
• Frequently interrupting
• Blurting out answers in class
• Struggling with turn-taking in conversation

Unlike boys who may physically act out, girls with ADHD may be socially intrusive or overly talkative, which can impact friendships.

4. Heightened Emotional Sensitivity

ADHD in girls is often accompanied by strong emotional reactions, such as:

• Crying easily
• Being quick to anger or frustration
• Feeling overwhelmed by social situations
• Intense fear of failure or criticism

These emotional ups and downs are sometimes mistaken for hormonal changes or mood disorders but can stem from underlying ADHD.

5. Social Struggles and Low Self-Esteem

Because girls with ADHD may:

• Miss social cues
• Over-talk or dominate conversation
• Struggle with listening
• Feel different or “not good enough”

They often have trouble maintaining friendships. Over time, this can lead to loneliness, anxiety, or poor self-image.

6. Perfectionism or Overcompensation

Interestingly, many girls with ADHD push themselves to be overachievers to hide their challenges. This can look like:

• Obsessing over schoolwork
• Over-scheduling themselves
• Meltdowns when things don’t go perfectly

While this may mask symptoms temporarily, it often leads to burnout and anxiety.

7. Physical Restlessness That Isn’t Always Obvious

Girls may not be visibly hyperactive in the way boys are, but their restlessness can appear as:

• Fidgeting
• Nail-biting
• Hair twirling
• Foot tapping
• Trouble sitting still during quiet activities

They might say they feel “bored” or “antsy” frequently, even when there’s no clear reason.

8. Sleep Problems

Many girls with ADHD have trouble winding down at night. This may show up as:

• Taking a long time to fall asleep
• Racing thoughts at bedtime
• Difficulty waking in the morning
• Daytime fatigue despite long sleep hours

Poor sleep can further worsen concentration and mood, making ADHD symptoms more noticeable.

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The Hidden Toll: Risks of Undiagnosed ADHD in Girls

When girls don’t receive proper diagnosis and support, they’re more vulnerable to:

• Anxiety and depression
• Low academic achievement
• Eating disorders
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Substance use issues in adolescence

Because they’ve spent years feeling misunderstood or struggling silently, many internalise the belief that they’re not smart, capable, or likable.

Early identification and intervention are key to helping girls reach their full potential.

Getting Help: What to Do If You Suspect ADHD

If you suspect your daughter may have ADHD, here’s what you can do:

1. Observe and Document Symptoms

Keep track of:

• When the issues started
• Where they happen (home, school, social)
• How do they affect her daily life

This information can help professionals make an informed diagnosis.

2. Talk to Her Teachers

Ask if they’ve noticed:

• Trouble with focus or follow-through
• Social challenges
• Emotional outbursts
  Teachers can provide valuable insight based on their daily observations.

3. Consult a Healthcare Professional

A pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist can:

• Conduct a full ADHD evaluation
• Rule out other conditions
• Suggest treatment options (behavioural therapy, medication, school accommodations)

Treatment and Support Options

The good news? ADHD is highly treatable, and the earlier it’s addressed, the better.

Common treatments include:

• Behavioural therapy (especially for younger children)
• Parent training and coaching
• Medication (stimulant or non-stimulant)
• School support, like IEPs or 504 plans
• Social skills training
• Cognitive-behavioural therapy for emotional regulation

The right treatment plan depends on the individual child and should be tailored to her specific needs.

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts

Girls with ADHD are often described as “quietly struggling” and for good reason. Unlike the stereotypical image of hyperactivity and disruption that’s commonly associated with boys, girls tend to internalise their symptoms. They may seem compliant at school or quiet at home, but inside, they’re battling constant distractions, emotional overwhelm, and a sense of underachievement. Because their difficulties don’t always draw attention, they are frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or even completely dismissed as simply being “moody,” “sensitive,” or “lazy.”

This invisibility can take a significant emotional toll. Many girls begin to question their intelligence, self-worth, or ability to cope, especially when they notice their peers managing tasks and friendships with ease. Over time, the gap between how they feel and how they’re perceived by others can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression, all of which may further mask the underlying ADHD.

As a parent or caregiver, it’s important to trust your instincts. If something about your daughter’s behaviour or emotional patterns feels off, whether it’s persistent daydreaming, forgetfulness, meltdowns over seemingly minor issues, or chronic difficulties with school and friendships, take it seriously. These could be signs that she’s working harder than anyone realises, just to keep up with everyday expectations.

Early recognition and support make a world of difference. With proper diagnosis, the right therapies, and a strong support system, girls with ADHD can thrive. They can do well academically, form meaningful relationships, and grow into confident, resilient young women who understand and embrace how their brains work. Instead of feeling “not enough,” they learn that they’re capable, creative, and worthy just as they are.