ADHD in girls: subtle symptoms can delay childhood diagnosis

ADHD symptoms in girls often present differently than the common stereotype of hyperactive or impulsive behavior. In many girls, the disorder manifests primarily through inattention, which can lead to delayed diagnoses during childhood.

Pediatrician Dra. Ana Cláudia Tavares notes that subtle signs—such as forgetting tasks, losing objects, organizational difficulties, or appearing daydreamy—are frequently misinterpreted as simple distraction or lack of effort. Because these symptoms are less visible, many women only seek evaluation in adulthood when increased responsibilities in work, home, and relationships exceed their ability to compensate for these challenges.

A review in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry supports these observations, highlighting that less evident symptoms contribute to the underdiagnosis of ADHD in the female population. A proper diagnosis requires a careful evaluation of symptom persistence, childhood history, and functional impairment across different contexts.