Shire study highlights misconceptions surrounding ADHD in girls

Shire has published the findings of a new survey that sheds light on the lack of awareness of issues affecting girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The online poll of 1,883 people in the US revealed that nearly 50 percent of mothers of girls diagnosed with ADHD reported that they had first attributed their daughters' behavior to normal adolescent struggles.

Moreover, 59 percent said they initially hesitated to seek help from a doctor, while 60 percent said they wish they had recognised the symptoms of ADHD earlier and acted sooner.

ADHD symptoms are often not as noticeable in girls, because they are more likely to manifest as inattentiveness rather than the hyperactivity and impulsivity most people associate with the disorder.

Perry Sternberg, senior vice-president of Shire's neuroscience business unit, said: "Shire is committed to ongoing research in order to bring important insights, resources and support to those patients and families affected by ADHD."

The company specialises in treatments for this condition and submitted an application for European approval of the ADHD therapy Intuniv earlier this year.