How Puberty Affects ADHD in Girls

How Puberty Affects ADHD in Girls ADHD Parenting Print Puberty and ADHD Symptoms in Girls The hormonal changes can cause an escalation of symptoms By Keath Low Keath Low, MA, is a therapist and clinical scientist with the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities at the University of North Carolina. She specializes in treatment of ADD/ADHD. Learn about our editorial policy Keath Low Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO on November 13, 2019 facebook Jonathan Jassey, DO is a private pediatrician at Bellmore Merrick Medical and is board certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Learn about our Medical Review Board Jonathan B. Jassey, DO Updated on November 27, 2019 ADHD Overview Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Living With In Children Brand New Images / Getty Images Adolescence can be notoriously difficult, for both parents and children. Fluctuating hormone levels can lead to mood swings, impulsiveness, and trouble concentrating on growing teens. Unfortunately, for teens with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the transitions of puberty can be further complicated by ADHD itself.   Kids with ADHD tend to lag behind their peers who do not have ADHD in terms of emotional maturity. This means that for both boys and girls with ADHDâ€"though their bodies are growing and developing similarly to their peersâ€"they are having to deal with all the changes puberty brings at a younger emotional level. In addition, research is showing that girls with ADHD face unique challenges during the onset of puberty. In fact, the disorder becomes easier to detect in girls at this time when the flood of hormones begins to cause dramatic changes in behavior. If you have an adolescent girl with ADHD at this age, you may be wondering how the hormonal changes at this stage of life might affect her disorder. If you notice that she has become more dramatic and emotional about little things, there is a  good reason. Understanding How Puberty Can Affect Girls With ADHD Research is showing that the symptoms of ADHD often intensify for girls during puberty when estrogen increases in their bodies. As you already know, puberty is a time of great change in a girls life as she begins the transition from childhood into adulthood. Her body is growing and developing both physically and sexually and she may experience a wide range of emotions that go along with the biological, cognitive, and social changes that are taking place. Teen girls may feel that they are on an emotional roller coaster, and parents may be on the receiving end of moodiness and emotional volatility as they sort out the issues and internal confusion that their developing bodies, minds, and changing social relationships give rise to. These hormonal changes may cause mood and behavioral difficulties for girls with ADHD especially. Many girls with ADHD become more over-reactive emotionally and hyper-irritable during puberty, and may have problematic mood swings, anxiety, and even feelings of panic. Sleep problems may develop or worsen, and difficulties such as distractibility, inability to focus, disorganization, and feeling overwhelmed may become more prevalent. All of this can lead to increased self-consciousness and feelings of inadequacy. Self-esteem may plummet as a girl begins to internalize negative thoughts about herself. It is helpful to be aware that the hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout a females menstrual cycle can also worsen symptoms of ADHD. Girls with ADHD also tend to have more problems with PMS symptoms, which can further compound the problem. How to Support Your Daughter Just being aware of the effect puberty can have with your daughter is important. When you understand this, you can consciously be more sensitive and proactive in helping your daughter navigate and overcome these challenges and develop positive coping skills that will help her throughout her life. If your daughter lashes out or demonstrates other behavioral issues at home, modulating your own emotional responses can be helpful, keeping in mind that she is struggling within herself and not intentionally trying to be difficult. Now is not the time to let structure and expectations slide, however. All children crave consistency and require boundaries to be set. Children with ADHD especially benefit from routine and predictability as well as regular downtime.   Ellen Littman, Ph.D.,  a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in attentional disorders, recommends some of the following strategies:Validate her perspective, even if you dont agreeDont change plans suddenly; build in time for her to acclimate to itHelp her identify or embrace one of her strengthsListen to her frustrations without offering solutions There are some wonderful books that can be a help. Attention Girls! A Guide to Learn All About Your ADHD by Patricia O. Quinn, M.D., is geared towards girls age 8 to 13 and is a great resource to help girls better understand their own ADHD. Dr. Quinn has another book called 100 Questions Answers About ADHD in Women and Girls. She is also co-author with Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ph.D., and Ellen B. Littman, Ph.D., of Understanding Girls with AD/HD. These are three information-packed books that we highly recommend.