Peruvian research highlights how ADHD in girls often goes unnoticed due to less overt hyperactivity, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Experts emphasise the importance of early recognition of subtle symptoms to improve outcomes.
Not every child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is visibly restless. In many cases, the condition appears in quieter ways: a child may struggle to stay focused, finish tasks or follow instructions without drawing much attention from those around them. That can make ADHD harder to spot and easier to dismiss as simple daydreaming, shyness or a lack of interest. According to a Peruvian report on the issue, that pattern helps explain why girls are often diagnosed later than boys, because their symptoms are less likely to fit the stereotype of hyperactive behaviour.
César Rojas Valdez, a clinical psychologist at the Complejo Hospitalario Alberto Barton, said many girls do not match the classic profile of ADHD. Speaking to Ojo, he said that when hyperactivity is not obvious, problems with concentration and organisation are often mistaken for distraction, timidity or apathy, which can delay both diagnosis and treatment. His warning is supported by research published in the scientific literature, which finds that parents and caregivers may under-recognise hyperactivity and impulsivity in girls compared with boys, reinforcing the risk of underdiagnosis.
The need to identify these signs early is reflected in public health data from Peru. The Ministry of Health recorded 25,010 ADHD-related consultations between January and June 2025, and 80% of those were for children. EsSalud has also reported a rise in childhood cases, with the Hospital de Emergencias Grau treating an average of 50 ADHD patients a month. Specialists say schools are often where the warning signs become clearest, particularly when a child cannot sustain attention, acts impulsively or struggles to stop behaviour when told to do so.
Rojas advised looking for patterns that persist across settings and begin to affect learning or family life. Difficulty concentrating, trouble waiting turns, emotional outbursts and problems following rules may all point to ADHD, though anxiety, bullying, family stress or other emotional difficulties can produce similar symptoms. The risk of missing the condition is not only academic. Children who are repeatedly labelled as naughty, disruptive or careless may also carry a heavy emotional burden, which can affect self-esteem and later performance at school, work and home. Early evaluation, experts say, can open the door to behavioural therapy, occupational therapy, attention training, family guidance and, where necessary, medication.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
