Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is experienced differently in girls than boys. Girls experience ADHD more internally, compared to boys. Here is a checklist by Psychologist Kathleen Nadeau for girls who may think they have ADHD. It should be filled out by the girl it is for and not her parent or teacher. Only she will know how to describe her internal feelings best:
• Anxiety and depression
I often feel like I want to cry.
I get a lot of stomachaches or headaches.
I worry a lot.
I feel sad, and sometimes I don’t even know why.
• School anxiety
I dread being called on by the teacher because, often, I haven’t been listening carefully.
I feel embarrassed in class when I don’t know what the teacher told us to do.
Even when I have something to say, I don’t raise my hand and volunteer in class.
• Social-skill deficits
Sometimes, other girls don’t like me, but I don’t know why.
I have arguments with my friends.
When I want to join a group of girls, I don’t know how to approach them, or what to say.
I often feel left out.
• Emotional over-reactivity
I get my feelings hurt more than most girls.
My feelings change a lot.
I get upset and angry more than other girls.
Do you know a girl that could be living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Contact Segal Institute at 1-877-SEGAL-88 to see if they may qualify for a clinical research study OR visit http://studies.segaltrials.com/request-a-prescreen/
