ADHD (or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is thought to impact around 700,000 kids in the UK.

While there’s been a “significant rise” in ADHD diagnoses over the past two decades, which experts believe is largely down to greater awareness of the condition, it can still fly under the radar in girls.

Yet, if ADHD goes undiagnosed, it can harm girls’ self-esteem and mental health.

Girls are “more likely to blame themselves, turning their anger and pain inward”, according to the Child Mind Institute, which noted they’re also more likely to experience depression, anxiety and eating disorders than those without ADHD.

Diagnosis, then, is crucial – and there’s one sign in particular which can easily be missed, but is more likely to be experienced by girls.

ADHD can show up as inattentiveness in girls

While lots of people associate ADHD with hyperactivity – you probably picture a child who can’t sit still or is constantly on the go – not so many people will conjure up images of a child who’s spacing out.

But this is what girls in particular might experience.

Mark Pattison, CEO and Founder of Care ADHD, told HuffPost UK that in girls and women in particular, ADHD can present as inattentiveness.

When a child is struggling with inattentiveness, their attention may appear to drift. “They may also seem forgetful, disorganised, and perhaps find it difficult to get started on something, or see things through,” he said.

“As a consequence, girls can often feel easily overwhelmed, and may have low self-esteem.”

Hyperactivity in girls can also look a little different to what you might expect

For girls who struggle with hyperactivity, this can also present differently, said the CEO: “Think fidgeting, talking excessively, or interrupting. Many women and girls report a sense of inner restlessness, and a racing mind full of thoughts.”

Because their difficulties can be less immediately visible at both home and in the classroom, girls are often under-diagnosed.

“Their behaviours may not be ‘disruptive’. They may also work hard to mask them, which can lead to perfectionism. Often ADHD symptoms in girls can be mistaken for anxiety, low confidence, or simply ‘not trying hard enough’,” said Pattison.

Dr Kenneth Lee, a specialist in child ADHD at the London Psychiatry Clinic, said girls who are diagnosed often have attention difficulties from early childhood, but these problems “become more noticeable as they get older, especially when they hit secondary school, where the academic and social demands increase”.

If you suspect your daughter might have undiagnosed ADHD, Pattison advised parents to talk with their child and help them describe their challenges, noting patterns and day-to-day impact.

It’s also helpful to speak with your child’s school about what they’re noticing, and ask a GP about referral for an ADHD assessment.

“Supportive routines at home can also help reduce pressure and protect self-esteem while waiting,” he added.

Help and support:

Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.ukRethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.