There are three sub-types of Attention Deficit Disorder: primarily inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and the combined form. Although the underlying neurology and (in most cases) symptoms are the same for both sexes, there are significant differences in the detection of the disorder and the consequences of its symptoms.

The principal symptomatic difference is in the area of hyperactivity-impulsiviry. The stereotype for hyperactivity is generally, excessive physical movement. Whereas this is often true for boys (and men), many girls (and women) will express this symptom verbally, with excessive talking. This difference can have far reaching consequences.

Due in part to society’s lingering and unfortunate discrepancies in expectations between boys and girls, and inaccurate stereotypes, in many girls ADD is not noticed. According to one study, as many as 75% of girls with this disorder may be missed. All to often girls with ADD are missed altogether or misdiagnosed later in life with depression.

The consequences of this disorder can be quite different for girls than they are for boys. They face far greater impairment in areas of social development, including self-esteem, social relationships, and family relationships, than their male peers. Girls report greater difficulty than boys in a number of areas. Compared to boys, more girls said it was very difficult for them to form friendships, get along well with parents, get things done in general, and stay focused on schoolwork.

Furthermore, girls more often than boys reported it was “very or somewhat difficult” for them to feel good about themselves. Not surprisingly, in another study, results suggested that girls with ADD are approximately three times more likely to be treated for depression than boys with ADD.

Fortunately, the prognosis for effective treatment of this disorder is the same in males as it is in females. There is now a treatment available that avoids the side effects, rigors and stigma of medication, while allowing the child to actually retrain the attention mechanisms of their brain, ameliorating the condition. Neurofeedback is a drug free, painless procedure. Once the treatment is complete, no further training is necessary.

To request information on the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD, ADHD), Mild to Moderate Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sleep Disorders, Chronic Depression, Chronic Anxiety, and Peak Performance Training contact:

Website: www.ocbiofeedback.com