When most people think of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), they picture a hyperactive young boy who can’t sit still in class. But ADHD is much more than just hyperactivity, and it often looks very different in girls—which is why many girls with ADHD go undiagnosed for years.
As a child psychiatrist in Jupiter, FL, I frequently see parents who wonder why their son was diagnosed with ADHD early on, while their daughter struggled silently for years before anyone noticed. The reality is, ADHD presents differently in boys and girls, and these differences can affect everything from school performance to emotional well-being.
Let’s break down how ADHD symptoms differ between boys and girls, why this matters, and how getting the right ADHD diagnosis and treatment can change lives.
ADHD in Boys: The “Classic” Presentation
Boys with ADHD tend to show more externalizing behaviors, meaning their symptoms are louder and more noticeable. This is why ADHD is diagnosed two to three times more often in boys than in girls.
Common Signs of ADHD in Boys:
✔️ Hyperactivity—constantly moving, fidgeting, or running around when it’s not appropriate
✔️ Impulsivity—blurting out answers, interrupting, or struggling to wait their turn
✔️ Difficulty focusing—trouble staying on task, especially with non-preferred activities
✔️ Risk-taking—acting without thinking about consequences
✔️ Frequent discipline issues in school—due to impulsivity and difficulty sitting still
Since these behaviors are more disruptive in a classroom setting, boys with ADHD are often diagnosed early in elementary school—allowing them to get support sooner.
ADHD in Girls: The “Hidden” Struggle
Many girls with ADHD don’t show the hyperactive, disruptive symptoms that people expect. Instead, their struggles tend to be internalized, meaning they are often misunderstood or completely overlooked.
Common Signs of ADHD in Girls:
✔️ Daydreaming—appearing “spaced out” or forgetful ✔️ Trouble staying organized—messy backpacks, missed assignments, losing things often ✔️ Quiet distractibility—struggling to focus but not disrupting the class ✔️ Emotional sensitivity—big emotional reactions or frequent mood swings ✔️ People-pleasing—working extra hard to hide struggles or “mask” ADHD symptoms
Because girls’ ADHD symptoms are less disruptive, they are often not diagnosed until middle school, high school, or even adulthood. Many are instead labeled as “lazy,” “ditzy,” or “too emotional,” which can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Why Early ADHD Diagnosis Matters
ADHD is not just a childhood issue—it affects school performance, friendships, self-esteem, and even future career success. When girls with ADHD are not diagnosed, they often struggle with:
🚨 Increased risk of anxiety and depression due to years of feeling "not good enough" 🚨 Social challenges—trouble keeping up in conversations or feeling left out 🚨 Chronic stress from working twice as hard to stay organized and meet expectations 🚨 Being misunderstood by teachers, parents, and even themselves
The good news? ADHD is highly treatable! With the right support—whether that’s therapy, ADHD medication, executive functioning coaching, or school accommodations—kids and teens with ADHD can thrive.
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in Jupiter, FL
If you think your child might have ADHD, early diagnosis is key. A proper ADHD evaluation can help determine whether your child has inattentive ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, or a combination of both.
At Palm Tree Psychiatry, Dr. Tzvi Furer specializes in diagnosing and treating ADHD in children, teens, and young adults. Whether your child struggles with focus, emotional regulation, or impulsivity, we create personalized treatment plans to help them succeed.
ADHD Treatment Options at Palm Tree Psychiatry:
✅ Comprehensive ADHD evaluations for children, teens, and young adults ✅ Medication management when appropriate ✅ Therapy & executive functioning coaching to build coping skills ✅ School accommodations & advocacy to support academic success
📍 Palm Tree Psychiatry – Jupiter, FL (Virtual & in-person appointments available) 📅 Schedule an ADHD evaluation today!
No child should feel like they’re "lazy" or "not trying hard enough." With the right ADHD treatment, kids can gain confidence, focus, and thrive in school and life!
Final Thoughts
ADHD doesn’t look the same in every child, and girls with ADHD are often overlooked because their symptoms don’t fit the typical mold. If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s struggles with attention, organization, or emotional regulation could be due to ADHD, trust your instincts and seek an evaluation.
Early diagnosis and treatment make a world of difference! If you’re looking for a child psychiatrist in Jupiter, FL who specializes in ADHD, Palm Tree Psychiatry is here to help.
Commentaires