More boys are diagnosed with ADHD than girls. This may be partly because girls' symptoms are less obvious. For example:
- Girls are less likely to display hyperactive behaviour such as clowning around, interrupting other people, running around, or hitting other children.
- However, girls are more likely to tease or call other children names.
- Boys and girls are equally likely to be distracted or make small movements such as rocking in place.
- Girls are more likely to have internalizing problems than boys, and are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.
- Girls with ADHD have as much trouble as boys with academic and social skills. However, girls with ADHD are more likely to be overlooked.