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A New York Times Syndicated article (September 1, 2002) reported on
research recently published by UC Berkeley psychologist Stephen
Hinshaw (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, September,
2002). Hinshaw’s study finds that girls with ADHD have
significant deficits, not just a “pale copy” of ADHD.
However, they tend to suffer in silence, unnoticed by teachers.
Girls, he writes, have more problems than boys with social isolation
and difficulty in making friends. ADHD girls in his study were more
likely to tease and act aggressive than their female peers, and
have more trouble focusing. Girls with ADHD are just as likely as
boys to develop profound academic and social problems.
This study is one of the largest and longest investigations
of preadolescent girls with ADHD. Two hundred twenty-eight (228)
Bay Area girls from age 6 to 12 with ADHD were recruited to attend
a six-week summer camp for three consecutive years. Unlike most
other studies, this study also included girls who were diagnosed,
but weren’t taking medication.
Pat Quinn, who was interviewed for this article, pointed out that
Hinshaw’s study confirms what clinicians have observed for
years - that girls with the disorder get overlooked. “People
think if you're sitting there quietly that you couldn't possibly
have it. Girls try to compensate. They sit there and look at the
teacher. They try very hard to please and do well.'' She related
that girls tend to be diagnosed later than boys and often develop
a sense of helplessness and low self-esteem as a result. She underlined
the need for more teacher and physician education about how to identify
and treat ADHD in girls. Pat Quinn commented that public education
about ADHD in girls is even more important, noting that in a recent
survey 50% of those interviewed said they didn’t know that
ADHD “even existed” in girls.
Hinshaw reports that without diagnosis and treatment, girls are
at higher risk of dropping out of school, substance abuse and delinquent
behavior. Researchers will continue to study the girls to see what
happens as they mature.
NCGI will eagerly await the results of these further
studies!
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