However, if you look at the ratio in those who are referred to a doctor by an outside group, like from a school or a church, the ratio is as high as 9:1 boy to girl. This difference is because the only children who are diagnosed in these environments have associated problems, such as conduct disorder, severe depression, anxiety or oppositional behavior. And, as you will see, boys with ADHD tend to have more of these associated problems.
Why do boys with ADHD tend to be noticed more often?
There are three subtypes of ADHD. One type is primarily identified by hyperactive impulsive behaviors. A second type is primarily identified by inattentive behaviors. Finally, the third type combines both groups: hyperactive impulsive and inattentive.
Most boys have a combined type of ADHD, where they have both hyperactive impulsive and inattentive symptoms. Additionally, they tend to have these symptoms for enough time to cause a functional impairment that leads to an easy diagnosis of ADHD. Many girls, on the other hand, are more likely to just have the inattentive form of ADHD.
So, do girls simply have a different set of symptoms than boys?
Boys have what people generally think of as ADHD. They're overactive. They're getting up all the time in class. They're fidgety. They're inattentive. Some of these behaviors, like touching and talking to other kids, create behavioral problems or disorder in the classroom. So, they're more likely to come to the attention of teachers and parents earlier on.
