Abstract | INTRODUCTION:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) is a neurobiological condition essentially characterised by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, and has a prevalence of around 5%. Because it is a biological disorder, both boys and girls with ADHD display these same symptoms, but more boys are diagnosed with ADHD (in a ratio of 3 to 1). AIM: To examine the differences between the two sexes, their prevalence and possible female subtypes in ADHD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 172 patients of both sexes who were attended as hospital neuropaediatric outpatients in the year 2004 according to Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-IV-TR) criteria. Their ages ranged between 4 and 14 years and they were divided into three groups: under 6, between 6 and 10, and from 11 to 14 years old. The girls were subdivided into four subtypes, in order of greater to lesser prevalence: shy, hypersociable, hyperactive and changeable. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: a) Girls have certain specific clinical manifestations within the three common symptoms; b) methylphenidate is equally effective in both sexes; c) only boys display other disorders such as negativism and conduct disorders; and d) the brains of males and females are quite similar, but symptoms are expressed differently depending on environments and levels.
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Authors | J R Valdizán, E Mercado, A Mercado-Undanivia |
Journal | Revista de neurologia
(Rev Neurol)
Vol. 44 Suppl 2
Pg. S27-30
(Mar 02 2007)
ISSN: 1576-6578 [Electronic] Spain |
Vernacular Title | Características y variabilidad clínica del trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad en niñas. |
PMID | 17347940
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity
(diagnosis, epidemiology, physiopathology)
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Severity of Illness Index
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