Chatty girls may be hiding ADHD

ADHD is being missed in women and girls because they do not have obvious disruptive behaviour, according to the health watchdog.

Nice says females with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are frequently diagnosed late or not at all.

This is because they don’t always show the obvious symptoms common in boys such as hyperactivity and an ability to concentrate.

Instead they may just be chatty, disorganised or prone to daydreaming which teachers and doctors may not pick up on.

Up to one in 20 school age children have ADHD which cover a group of behavioural symptoms including hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

Many are put on medication to calm them down including Ritalin or advised to follow special diets that avoid sugar and artificial flavourings.

But some doctors believe the condition is being overdiagnosed as most children experience behavioural difficulties from time to time.

Nice however says ADHD is being overlooked in women and girls as well as patients who already have mental health conditions.

Girls tend to show symptoms of being chatty, disorganised or prone to daydreaming which teachers and doctors may not pick up on

The watchdog wants doctors to be more alert to spotting the condition in these groups so they can be referred for appropriate treatment.

Professor Mark Baker, director of the centre for guidelines at Nice, said: ‘People can have symptoms or problems that are not classically associated with ADHD.

‘Our draft guideline raises awareness of people who more likely to be wrongly diagnosed with ADHD, those with ADHD who are wrongly diagnosed with another condition and those whose ADHD is missed altogether.

‘Not having an accurate diagnosis can have a negative effect on people and their families. It means they cannot access the best treatment and support.

‘We’re asking health and social care professionals to be mindful of these groups so that more people can be diagnosed correctly.’