When my daughter came to me when she was 15 and started telling me she thought she had ADHD I, at first, dismissed her. She was not impulsive. She has turned in her homework. She showed up to her practices and mostly remembered all of her sports gear. She was not what I typically thought of as an ADHD kid, and I have worked with a lot of ADHD kids over the years.
She persisted though, she researched and she presented her findings. She told me that she thought she could do so much better with her studies. She stated that she missed details in her work that kept her from scoring high on tests and quizzes. She told me that she was easily overwhelmed by social events and would often leave early because she was so overwhelmed. All of her research and persistence resulted in going to a behavioral therapist who tested her for ADHD. The results were amazing to me. She tested positive for ADHD-inattentive type. She started a medication. I was reluctant to have her take a medication, but it was hard to watch her be frustrated and sad about school and friendships.
The results of her research and persistence to find an answer paid off. Her grades went from B’s to A’s. She was more organized and motivated to get her schoolwork done. She felt more social and able to stay engaged in activities with friends or when attending sporting events at school. The most amazing difference to me, as her mother, was that she finally cleaned her room. The task that seemed almost impossible to get her to do got done. She felt pride in her clean room and accomplishments which improved confidence and self esteem. Tasks that had once seemed overwhelming became achievable. I’m not one to quickly diagnose or throw medications at anyone, but I’m very glad that I listened to my daughter when she came to me with her concerns. She is now finishing her freshman year of college studying biomedical engineering and feeling very confident with her studies.
Here are some facts about ADHD in young women.
ADHD Inattentive Type Diagnosis and Symptoms in Teenage Girls
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often considered a condition primarily affecting young boys, with the more commonly recognized symptoms being hyperactivity and impulsivity. However, ADHD presents differently in girls, particularly in its inattentive form, which can often go undiagnosed for years. In teenage girls, ADHD inattentive type can manifest in subtle ways, making it challenging to recognize and diagnose. Understanding the signs and symptoms is crucial for early intervention and effective support.
What is ADHD Inattentive Type?
ADHD is typically divided into three subtypes:
- Inattentive Type – primarily characterized by difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, and disorganization.
- Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – marked by impulsivity, restlessness, and difficulty staying still.
- Combined Type – includes both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms.
The inattentive type is less obvious because it doesn’t involve the disruptive behaviors often associated with ADHD, like constant movement or loud outbursts. Instead, this type primarily involves issues related to concentration and memory, which can be difficult to detect. Girls, in particular, tend to exhibit these symptoms in quieter, more socially acceptable ways, which may lead to underdiagnosis.
Why ADHD Inattentive Type is Often Overlooked in Girls
ADHD is frequently diagnosed based on observable behaviors, such as fidgeting, talking out of turn, or difficulty staying seated. These symptoms are more commonly seen in boys, especially during childhood. However, girls with the inattentive type often don’t exhibit disruptive behavior in the same way. They may be seen as shy, daydreamy, or socially withdrawn instead of restless and impulsive. As a result, their symptoms are often misunderstood as personality traits or simply written off as being “lazy” or “unmotivated.”
Furthermore, societal expectations for girls often emphasize neatness, attentiveness, and good grades. This puts additional pressure on girls to mask their struggles and meet external expectations, sometimes leading them to go undiagnosed until later in life when academic or social challenges become more pronounced.
Common Symptoms of ADHD Inattentive Type in Teenage Girls
- Difficulty Sustaining Attention
Teen girls with ADHD inattentive type often struggle to stay focused on tasks, especially when they aren’t particularly interesting. They might frequently start projects but fail to finish them. In the classroom, they might drift off during lessons or fail to follow multi-step instructions. - Forgetfulness and Disorganization
A common symptom is chronic forgetfulness. Girls may forget important deadlines, assignments, or personal items (like homework or their phone). They may frequently misplace things and have trouble keeping their school materials or personal spaces organized. - Daydreaming or “Zoning Out”
Unlike the overt restlessness seen in the hyperactive form, girls with the inattentive type may often appear lost in thought or “zoning out.” They may seem distant or unengaged in conversations or activities, and others might misinterpret this as them being disengaged or uninterested. - Poor Time Management
Managing time effectively can be a struggle for girls with ADHD inattentive type. They may have trouble prioritizing tasks, leading to procrastination or last-minute stress. Assignments might pile up, and they may feel overwhelmed by their workload. - Difficulty Following Instructions
Teen girls with ADHD may have difficulty following multi-step instructions, particularly in environments that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or extracurricular activities. They might also miss details in conversations or group activities. - Low Self-Esteem
The frustration of consistently feeling behind, disorganized, or unable to meet expectations can lead to low self-esteem. Teenage girls with ADHD inattentive type may internalize their struggles and feel inadequate compared to their peers, who may seem more successful in managing school, social, and home life. - Academic Underachievement
Even though girls with ADHD inattentive type are often intellectually capable, they might struggle academically due to their difficulties with focus, organization, and time management. Teachers might not notice these symptoms, assuming the girls simply aren’t putting in enough effort, leading to frustration on both sides.
Why Early Diagnosis and Support Are Important
Diagnosing ADHD in teenage girls is crucial because untreated ADHD can have long-term consequences. Without proper support, teenage girls may develop anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges related to their struggles with focus, organization, and academic performance.
Early intervention can provide strategies to help girls manage their symptoms, improve their executive functioning skills, and build confidence. This can include:
- Behavioral therapy to help with organization, time management, and problem-solving.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address emotional challenges, boost self-esteem, and develop coping skills.
- Academic accommodations such as extended time on tests, a quiet space for studying, or the use of organizational tools.
- Medication, in some cases, to help manage the neurological aspects of ADHD, improving attention and reducing distractibility.