Girls & Attention Deficit Disorder
Teens with ADHD at Risk for Depression & Eating Disorders
New psychological research shows that adolescent girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are more likely to struggle with depression and eating disorders.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 5% of children. This psychological disorder affects boys three times more than girls, which is why new research is showing how ADHD affects girls.
Psychological testing can be an effective method of determining if a child (or adult) has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
- Short attention span
- Excessive talking
- Aggressive behavior
- Poor organizational skills
- Restlessness
- Impulsivity
- Irritability
Boys and girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may also struggle with poor grades and poor interactions with peers, parents and teachers. They’re often social loners who blame others for their problems, and are sensitive to criticism.
The Link Between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Eating Disorders
New psychological research shows that girls with ADHD are more likely to struggle with eating disorders than girls without this condition. “Adolescent girls with ADHD frequently develop body-image dissatisfaction and may go through repeating cycles of binge eating and purging behaviors that are common in bulimia nervosa,” says Amori Yee Mikami, a psychologist at the University of Virginia.
Because attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is more common in boys than girls, many teenage girls with this condition go undetected.
“Girls with ADHD may be more at risk of developing eating problems as adolescents because they already have impulsive behaviors that can set them apart from their peers,” said Dr Mikami. “As they get older, their impulsivity may make it difficult for them to maintain healthy eating and a healthy weight, resulting in self-consciousness about their body image and the binging and purging symptoms.”
The Link Between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Depression
Researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine found that teenage girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are more likely to struggle with depression. Girls with ADHD may internalize their feelings, complain about their physical health, and show symptoms of anxiety and depression.
This psychological research also revealed that girls with ADHD have higher verbal IQ scores than boys, which surprised the doctors. Children and teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder typically have lower IQ scores because they may not be as likely to focus during the tests.
Doctors and scientists are continuing their research on how ADHD affects girls, especially in relation to depression, eating disorders, body image, and anxiety disorders.
If you found Girls With ADHD helpful, you might be interested in:
- The Benefits of Teen Mentoring
- New Insights About Birth Order
- 6 Types of Anxiety Disorders
- Natural Treatments for Depression
University of Virginia (2008, March 15). Adolescent Girls With ADHD Are At Increased Risk For Eating Disorders, Study Shows. ScienceDaily.
Source:
Center For The Advancement Of Health (2001, October 12). Older Girls With ADHD Have More Depression, Anxiety, Smarts. ScienceDaily.
