31 Aug 2020

ADD Undiagnosed Females

0 Comment

 “Not all ADD children are bouncing off the walls.  Some children quietly slip away into daydreaming and seldom cause trouble in school.  They are often a great worry to parents who notice their detachment and aloneness.  Such children are seldom labeled ADD, and they are never labeled hyperactive.  A large number of these children are female, and they are often labeled lazy, depressed, dreamy, or unusual.  The fact is, these children are ADD, but without the hyperactive component.       ADD children without hyperactivity never seem to make good contact with what is going on around them.  They are very internal, quiet, and distant.  They often miss social cues and are usually passed over for extra help or any other type of assistance.  They fall through the cracks and may only be diagnosed as ADD when brought in for treatment.  Perhaps these are the saddest cases of all because they do not get recognized, diagnosed, or treated as often as the hyperactive children.  They just get negative labels by peers, family, and school officials.  Depression is common in these children, and the depression usually has to be addressed before addressing the ADD symptoms.”  pp.5-6.  From “Getting Rid of Ritalin” by Robert W. Hill, Ph.D. and Eduardo Castro, M.D.

[top]