Symptom Tests for Children

A Female ADHD Test: Common Symptoms in Girls

ADHD often looks different in girls. It is sometimes easy to mistake for hormones, anxiety, or a learning disability. And for this reason, too many girls grow up feeling misunderstood. This ADD self-test was designed for girls or teens themselves to take and may help clarify symptoms.

By Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D. Verified Updated on April 3, 2024
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Girls with ADHD are more likely than their male counterparts to demonstrate inattentive symptoms. These inattentive girls are the ones staring out the window or picking their split ends or doodling incessantly when they should be listening in class. They may be called daydreamers or ditzy or worse. Early detection and effective treatment is essential to prevent real psychological damage.

Which is why psychologist Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D., has devised the following ADHD symptoms checklist specifically for girls. The following questions should be answered by girls themselves, not by parents and teachers, because girls experience ADHD more internally than do boys, who are more likely to exhibit externally hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.

Many of Nadeau’s questions apply to boys, since they pertain to problems with productivity, general distractibility, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and sleep. The statements below, however, are particularly oriented toward girls.

NOTE: The more questions you answer in the affirmative, the more likely you are to have symptoms that resemble those of girls with ADHD. This self-test is not intended to diagnose or to replace the care of a healthcare professional. Be sure to share your completed self-test with a healthcare professional. An accurate diagnosis can only be made through clinical evaluation. This self-test is for personal use only.

I get upset and angry more than other girls do.

My feelings change.

I worry more than other people do.

When I want to join a group of girls, I don’t know how to approach them, or what to say.

I get my feelings hurt more than most girls do.

I feel left out.

I get stomachaches or headaches.

I feel embarrassed in class when I don’t know what the teacher told us to do.

I have arguments with my friends.

Other girls don’t like me and I don’t know why.

I feel sad, without always knowing why.

I feel like I want to cry.

Even when I have something to say, I don’t raise my hand and volunteer in class.

I dread being called on by the teacher because I haven’t been listening carefully.


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ADHD in Girls: Next Steps

1. Take This Test Inattentive ADHD Symptom Test for Children
2. Take This Test Full ADHD Symptoms Test for Children
3. Take This Test Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Children
4. Take This Test General Anxiety Disorder for Children
5. Learn Why ADHD in Girls is Often Overlooked
6. Research ADHD in Girls
7. Sign Up to Receive ADDitude’s Free “For Women with ADHD” Newsletter