For 10 years a UC Berkeley team, led by Stephen Hinshaw, has been following a group of racially and socio-economically diverse group of girls with ADHD in the San Francisco Bay Area. The group was compared to 88 girls of similar backgrounds who do not have ADHD. Some of the study findings were alarming and concerning, Parents should be aware of the special issues and long term effects of ADHD on girls.
As children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) grow older and enter adolescence, some of the outward signs of their condition may decrease. Although they may be less active and have more control over impulsive behavior, many middle school and high school students continue to experience problems with focus and attention in the classroom. Issues related to poor concentration and distractibility may intensify, affecting their grades and their ability to learn. Without intervention, many teenagers with ADHD develop poor self-esteem, difficulties in relationships and substance abuse problems.
