More boys than girls are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but experts aren't sure if this is because more boys have the condition, or if it's just more noticeable in them.

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"We know that boys tend to show more of the hyperactive symptoms of ADHD and the impulsive symptoms, which tend to get more attention. Whereas, the girls often present more with inattentive symptoms, and these can slip under the radar," said Dr. Manny Jimenez, a developmental behavioral pediatrician at Children's Specialized Hospital.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 6.4 million children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011, a 5 percent increase from 2010.  More than 13 percent of boys were diagnosed with the condition versus 6 percent of girls. The average age of diagnosis was 7 years of age.

So how do you know if your daughter has the condition?

Jimenez said signs in girls can include struggling at school, trouble getting organized, being easily distracted, forgetting things and generally having a hard time attending to responsibilities.

Some children are generally more inattentive than others, so to properly diagnose ADHD parents need to turn to a medical professional with experience and expertise because other things can mimic ADHD, including anxiety.

Jimenez added it really comes down to whether the condition is interfering with a child's ability to live normally.

"Several studies indicate you can reliably make a diagnosis in the preschool age.  We can already see at that age some kids that are having symptoms that interfere with their learning and moving forward," Jimenez said.

As far as treatment is concerned, Jimenez said every child is different.

"Medications can be effective and there are also behavioral supports that can help. It comes down to what's right for the family and the child," Jimenez said.

Click here to learn more about ADHD, including its symptoms and possible treatments.

 

 

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