Understanding ADHD in Girls: Identification and Social Characteristics

The purpose of this study was to identify the hyperactive, impulsive, social, and emotional characteristics of girls with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These characteristics could be used to increase the referral rates of these girls and provide implications for intervention. Parent and self-ratings of a school-based sample of 262 girls with and without ADHD were analyzed. Girls with ADHD were characterized as more verbally impulsive and hyperactive, faster in conversations and school-work, more easily bored, more often stirring up trouble, having difficulty waiting, and demonstrating greater moodiness, anger, and stubbornness than their peers. The girls with symptoms of ADHD also discriminated between their own appropriate versus inappropriate activity and demonstrated normal prosocial activities, the level of which was related to higher self-esteem. Implications are that ADHD characteristic behavior in girls can be identified earlier so that treatments can be studied and improved. (Contains 9 tables.)