Andrew
04-24-03, 07:11 PM
Girls With ADHD Often Misdiagnosed
Doctors More Likely To Look For Problems In Boys
POSTED: 1:46 p.m. EDT April 24, 2003
CLEVELAND -- Attention deficit hyperactive disorder is often thought of as a problem that affects teen boys, and for the most part, it is.
But researchers said there are tens of thousands of other ADHD children who never get any help, according to NewsChannel5's Tonya Strong.
Brianna Cabano, 17, has had all the classic symptoms of ADHD since she was 10 years old -- hyperactivity, trouble concentrating in class and difficulty making close friends.
"From about fourth grade to right now -- I'm a senior in high school -- I had problems with my grades, and I knew I was smart," she said.
But all through the years, teachers said her problems were her fault.
"And they told me that I was extremely smart but I just didn't apply myself and I was lazy," she said.
"She had some pretty low moments," said Patti Cabano, Brianna's mother.
Dr. Steve Hinshaw, a professor of psychology, has written two studies about girls with attention disorders. He said Brianna's case is typical.
"There may be a significant number of girls -- up to one-third or more of girls -- who actually have ADHD who never really get detected as having a clinically serious problem," he said.
Girls' cases don't get detected as often because the experts are looking for boys, not girls. It is true that boys are three times more likely to have ADHD than girls.
"However, if we look at clinics where kids get referred for treatment, it may be 10 to one boys to girls," Hinshaw said.
Another reason for the low detection is that girls usually don't act out the way boys do.
Doctors said thousands of girls with ADHD are not getting diagnosed or treated.
They said parents should take note if their daughter has low grades, few friends and trouble concentrating. Getting her tested can make a big difference.
Experts also said parents should always get a second opinion.
Original Story: http://www.newsnet5.com/connectingwithkids/2156440/detail.html
Doctors More Likely To Look For Problems In Boys
POSTED: 1:46 p.m. EDT April 24, 2003
CLEVELAND -- Attention deficit hyperactive disorder is often thought of as a problem that affects teen boys, and for the most part, it is.
But researchers said there are tens of thousands of other ADHD children who never get any help, according to NewsChannel5's Tonya Strong.
Brianna Cabano, 17, has had all the classic symptoms of ADHD since she was 10 years old -- hyperactivity, trouble concentrating in class and difficulty making close friends.
"From about fourth grade to right now -- I'm a senior in high school -- I had problems with my grades, and I knew I was smart," she said.
But all through the years, teachers said her problems were her fault.
"And they told me that I was extremely smart but I just didn't apply myself and I was lazy," she said.
"She had some pretty low moments," said Patti Cabano, Brianna's mother.
Dr. Steve Hinshaw, a professor of psychology, has written two studies about girls with attention disorders. He said Brianna's case is typical.
"There may be a significant number of girls -- up to one-third or more of girls -- who actually have ADHD who never really get detected as having a clinically serious problem," he said.
Girls' cases don't get detected as often because the experts are looking for boys, not girls. It is true that boys are three times more likely to have ADHD than girls.
"However, if we look at clinics where kids get referred for treatment, it may be 10 to one boys to girls," Hinshaw said.
Another reason for the low detection is that girls usually don't act out the way boys do.
Doctors said thousands of girls with ADHD are not getting diagnosed or treated.
They said parents should take note if their daughter has low grades, few friends and trouble concentrating. Getting her tested can make a big difference.
Experts also said parents should always get a second opinion.
Original Story: http://www.newsnet5.com/connectingwithkids/2156440/detail.html