ADHD Girls vs Boys: Why the Symptoms Look Different

For years, ADHD has been described as a condition that mostly affects energetic, impulsive boys who can’t sit still. That narrow view has left many girls invisible. Girls with ADHD often don’t display the same outward hyperactivity. Instead, they may seem quiet, unfocused, anxious, or overly emotional. Because of these subtle signs, their challenges are often dismissed or misunderstood.

Read on to explore how ADHD differs between girls and boys, what science says about those differences, and why recognising the unique signs in girls can make such a powerful difference in their lives.

Understanding The Basics of ADHD

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain manages focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation. It’s one of the most common childhood conditions and often continues into adulthood.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 15% of boys and 8% of girls (in the United States) have been diagnosed with ADHD. The lower number in girls doesn’t necessarily mean they have it less often, it often means they’re simply not being recognised.

There are three main presentations of ADHD:

• Inattentive Type – Trouble focusing, organising, remembering, or completing tasks
• Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – Excessive movement, restlessness, impulsive actions
• Combined Type – A mix of both

While both boys and girls can have any of these types, research shows that girls are more likely to have inattentive symptoms, while boys are more often diagnosed with hyperactive or combined types.

How ADHD Looks Different in Girls vs Boys

ADHD In Boys:

• More externalised symptoms
• Hyperactivity: running, climbing, fidgeting
• Impulsivity: blurting out, interrupting, acting without thinking
• More likely to be noticed and diagnosed earlier (especially in school settings)

ADHD In Girls:

• More internalised symptoms
• Daydreaming, quiet distractibility
• Emotional sensitivity, social struggles, anxiety
• Often missed or misdiagnosed (e.g. labeled as anxious, shy, or moody)

This leads many girls to fly under the radar, not because they aren’t struggling, but because their symptoms aren’t disruptive in ways that draw adult attention.

Why These Differences Exist

ADHD can look different in girls and boys because of how their brains develop, how society expects them to behave, and how the condition is diagnosed. These factors all shape how symptoms show up and how they’re understood by parents, teachers, and doctors.

1. Brain & Hormonal Differences
Girls may have different patterns of brain activation and emotional processing, and fluctuating hormones can influence attention and mood regulation, especially during puberty.

2. Social Expectations & Masking
Girls are often taught to be “good,” quiet, and socially aware. This can lead them to suppress or hide their symptoms, a behaviour known as masking.

3. Diagnostic Bias
Most early ADHD research focused on boys. This means the standard diagnostic criteria were developed around how boys tend to present, making girls less likely to fit the expected profile.

4. Emotional Dysregulation in Girls
Girls with ADHD often experience intense emotions and rejection sensitivity. While boys may externalise their frustration, girls may internalise it, leading to anxiety or low self-esteem.

Why Recognising the Difference Matters

When ADHD goes undiagnosed, girls often carry the weight of self-blame. They may think they’re not trying hard enough or that something is “wrong” with them. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, depression, or low self-worth.

A study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders found that women with undiagnosed ADHD are more likely to experience mood disorders and academic underachievement. Without recognition, their symptoms can intensify during major life changes such as puberty, university, or motherhood.

Final Thoughts

ADHD doesn’t look the same in every child, and it often looks very different between girls and boys. Understanding these differences is essential for spotting the signs early, offering the right support, and helping each child thrive on their own terms.

Whether your child is bouncing off the walls or quietly zoning out, both experiences are valid. And both deserve recognition, empathy, and tools that truly help.

FAQ: ADHD in Girls vs Boys

Q: Why are boys diagnosed with ADHD more often than girls?
A: Boys are more likely to show hyperactive or disruptive behaviours, which get noticed. Girls often present with quiet inattention or emotional symptoms that are overlooked.

Q: Can girls have hyperactive ADHD, too?
A: Yes. Some girls do show hyperactive or impulsive traits, but they may be more subtle (like excessive talking or fidgeting) and less likely to be flagged as problematic.

Q: How can I tell if my daughter’s daydreaming or forgetfulness is ADHD?
A: If it interferes with her daily functioning in school, friendships, or home life and is consistent over time, it’s worth a professional evaluation.

Related Products

• BrightSpark – Natural remedy to support attention and reduce impulsivity
• Focus & Calm – Helps children manage emotions and stay focused
• MindSoothe Jr. – Promotes emotional balance and calm in children

Related Articles

• Creating an ADHD-Friendly Home Environment for Kids
• ADHD or Just Normal Behaviour? How to Tell the Difference
• How to Support Siblings When a Child Has ADHD: A Guide for Families

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