HEALTH

Researchers call for more study of ADHD in girls

Marina Trajkovich

ATTENTION, Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, has long been associated with young, energetic boys. But it’s a condition that also affects girls, albeit slightly differently.

Knowing the differences in how ADHD impacts both boys and girls can be crucial in identifying behaviours and helping children and parents identify the condition.

ADHD is best understood as a neurodevelopmental disorder that can manifest itself in different ways, like experiencing difficulty in sustaining attention and resisting distraction. It can also present as difficulty in adapting energy levels to suit a particular situation, for example, a classroom setting.

A young person with ADHD might display hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, like fidgeting and squirming, or they might frequently leave their seat in class.

Attention deficits could display in things like careless mistakes or when a child has difficulty staying attentive in class. The opposite, hyperfocus when a child is intensely fixated on an activity, can also be a symptom.

ADHD diagnosis

About 1 in 20 Australians are experiencing ADHD, with the condition often underdiagnosed and poorly understood.

Experts say that many signs and symptoms of ADHD are normal in children to an extent, with a diagnosis of the condition dependent on factors like a child’s age and whether the behaviours they’re exhibiting match their level of development.

A child will only be diagnosed with ADHD if their trouble focusing is having a significant detriment on several aspects of their life like their schooling, home or social life.

According to ADHD Australia, the child must also be displaying signs that persist for more than six months and before the age of twelve.

ADHD in boys and girls

Rachael Murrihy, the Director of The Kidman Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, says that a growing body of research is examining whether there are differences between the displayed behaviours between boys and girls with ADHD.

“Researchers have only recently started to unravel the expression of ADHD in girls. The way ADHD presents in girls and boys is in many ways similar, but there are a few noteworthy differences,” wrote Ms Murrihy for the Conversation.

“Most importantly, while symptoms of hyperactivityimpulsivity are present across genders, with some studies showing more hyperactivity in boys, symptoms of inattention, which can be easier to overlook, are seen more frequently in girls,” she says.

She adds that the onset of ADHD symptoms can differ between genders, with symptoms of hyperactivity presenting earlier in school life. Inattentiveness, by contrast, has been seen to present later in life.

“So girls with ADHD can often go undetected until academic and organisational demands increase in late primary and high school.

“Girls with ADHD are also at higher risk of developing depression and anxiety than boys. If depression and anxiety occur at the same time as ADHD, it can be more difficult to diagnose ADHD,” says Ms Murrihy.

“A range of possible mechanisms have been implicated in the difference in ADHD expression between genders, from hormonal changes to cognitive differences to social factors. But we need more research to truly understand the reasons behind the disparity,” she says.

Seen as a ‘male condition,’

More than twice as many boys are diagnosed with ADHD than girls, with experts suggesting this could be due to persistent stereotypes regarding the condition as a ‘male disorder.’

Rachael Murrihy suggests that this could be due to a lack of understanding of how boys and girls experience the condition differently, with more research needed to develop a framework inclusive of both genders.

“Some researchers have suggested symptom thresholds for diagnosis in girls should be modified,” she says.

“For many girls, ADHD is a serious and debilitating illness. Ensuring girls are identified early and accurately and that they receive evidence-based treatment is crucial.”

CONNECT NOW:

For more information on ADHD symptoms and treatment, visit www. adhdaustralia.org.au.

Pregnancy research leads to launch of new national guidelines

Marina Trajkovich

A NEW set of physical activity guidelines for pregnant women has been released by the Australian Government Department of Health this month to help expectant mothers stay healthy.

The guidelines come from new research led by CQUniversity and the University of Queensland and provide a framework for exercise during the period of pregnancy and postpartum.

Lead author and researcher Professor Wendy Brown from the University of Queensland said that the guidelines highlight recommended activity levels based on prepregnancy fitness levels.

She says that pregnant women who were active before pregnancy can continue with physical activity, altering their exercise routines over the course of the pregnancy.

“If you were inactive before pregnancy, start slowly and build up your activity to meet the recommendations,” Professor Brown said.

“As your body changes during pregnancy, you may need to adapt your activities. Listen to your body and chat with your health professional for more help,” she said.

Experts recommend that pregnant women discuss exercise options with their doctors in order to stay healthy with the new guidelines working to further the understanding of health practitioners.

“These guidelines are applicable to all Australians who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, as well as health professionals who provide care during pregnancy,” said CQUniversity exercise science expert Dr Melanie Hayman.

“The guidelines provide health professionals with evidence-based guidance on optimal physical activity during pregnancy Do you want to know what contribu0on the sugarcane industry makes in the Burdekin? Want to contribute to a discussion about industry opportuni0es, challenges, and threats that lie ahead? Do you want to know what contribution the and in the postpartum period. They may be used to encourage pregnant people to achieve levels of physical activity recommended for optimal health for them and their baby.” sugarcane industry makes in the Burdekin?

Maintaining an exercise routine while Join AgForce and a panel of industry speakers in Brandon, Tuesday, 25 May 2021 at the Hotel Brandon, pregnant, even if you weren’t previously 50-54 Drysdale Street, Brandon from 5.00pm-7.00pm. Want to contribute to a discussion about industry active, can help manage the symptoms of opportunities, challenges, and threats that lie ahead? Do you want to know what contribu0on the sugarcane industry makes in the Burdekin? pregnancy like backaches, constipation, We invite cane farmers and community leaders to take part in a Q&A with industry experts. Want to contribute to a discussion about industry opportuni0es, challenges, and threats that lie ahead? We invite cane farmers and community leaders to bloating and swelling. It can also help manage sleep, prevent Seats are limited! Register at agforceqld.eventbrite.comJoin AgForce and a panel of industry speakers in Brandon, Tuesday, 25 May 2021 at the Hotel Brandon, take part in a Q&A with industry experts.excessive weight gain and lower your risk of gestational diabetes. Enquiries: KernM@agforceqld.org.au (0499 960 006) or HoffmannN@agforceqld.org.au50-54 Drysdale Street, Brandon from 5.00pm-7.00pm. Seats are limited!Pregnant women are recommended to get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most (0408 786 057) days, with women who weren’t previously active urged to start slowly and build on Any COVID restric0ons current at the 0me will apply to this event. Join AgForce and a panel of industry speakers in Brandon. We invite cane farmers and community leaders to take part in a Q&A with industry experts. Tuesday, 25 May 2021 at the Hotel Brandon, exercise duration, with going for brisk walks a great starting point. Seats are limited! Register at agforceqld.eventbrite.com 50-54 Drysdale St, Brandon from Those who are already active may maintain their fitness routines, adapting their needs as 5pm-7pm they get closer to delivery.

Register at:

Enquiries: KernM@agforceqld.org.auCONNECT NOW: For more information on recommended (0499 960 006) or HoffmannN@agforceqld.org.au (0408 786 057)agforceqld.eventbrite.com Any COVID restric0ons current at the 0me will apply to this event.Enquiries: KernM@agforceqld.org.au (0499 960 006) or HoffmannN@agforceqld.org.au (0408 786 057) exercise guidelines, visit: https://www.health. gov.au/health-topics/physical-activity-andexercise/pregnancy. Any COVID restrictions current at the time will apply to this event.