ADHD in Girls: Unique Symptom Presentation

Plain-language summary

Research suggests that ADHD can show up differently in girls compared to boys, which might make it harder for girls to get diagnosed. While there's a growing understanding of this, some of the evidence is still developing and more research is needed to fully understand these differences.

Key findings

• Girls with ADHD may be less likely to display the hyperactive and impulsive behaviors commonly seen in boys, often presenting more with inattentive symptoms like daydreaming or difficulty focusing.
• Girls with ADHD might internalize their struggles more, leading to conditions like anxiety or depression, which can sometimes overshadow their ADHD symptoms.
• The different ways ADHD shows up in girls can lead to a "hidden diagnosis," meaning it might be missed or misdiagnosed for many years.
• Diagnostic tools and criteria for ADHD have historically been based on presentations more common in boys, which may contribute to underdiagnosis in girls.
• Understanding these gender differences is crucial for improving early identification and support for girls with ADHD.

Studies cited (3)

1. A review of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in women and girls: uncovering this hidden diagnosis — Quinn PO, Madhoo M (2014, The primary care companion for CNS disorders, review)

   DOI: 10.4088/PCC.13r01596 PMCID: PMC4195638

2. ADHD and female specific concerns: a review of the literature and clinical implications — Nussbaum NL (2012, Journal of attention disorders, review)

   DOI: 10.1177/1087054711416909

3. Females with ADHD: An expert consensus statement taking a lifespan approach providing guidance for the identification and treatment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in girls and women — Young S, Adamo N, Ásgeirsdóttir BB (2020, BMC psychiatry, other)

   DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02707-9 PMCID: PMC7422602