For many years, the typical view of ADHD was based on the behaviors of hyperactive little boys who couldn’t focus on their work. It appeared to be a male-dominated disorder because few girls were diagnosed. In recent years, this view is steadily changing as we learn about ADHD and how it affects the genders differently.

Does Gender Affect ADHD?

There are many aspects of ADHD that are similar between both genders. In both cases, the symptoms used for diagnosis are the same for males and females. Neither gender presents specific symptoms that are absent in the other. This leads us to ask then, “Why are more males diagnosed?” The answer lies in the way that we determine if there is a problem.

In many cases, young boys are referred for ADHD evaluation because they are hyperactive and have a difficult time focusing on activities. Because this has become such a common scenario, it has become a reference of sorts that many referrals are based on. More often than not, young girls who have ADHD do not exhibit the hyperactivity. When viewed in comparison, they often seem to just not be working hard enough or reaching their potential, when in fact, they are unable to focus and complete the given tasks. Most girls suffer from the prominently inattentive type of ADHD. They are often quiet rather than disruptive and seem to daydream rather than interrupt and blurt out. This quiet type of behavior is desired in classrooms and social situations, so the idea of it being a problem is often overlooked.

Now psychologists are taking a closer look, comparing females with ADHD to females without ADHD rather than females with ADHD to males with ADHD. They are finding that females with ADHD that go undiagnosed, suffer in several areas that affect them all throughout their lives. Some of the findings included the following:

  • Lower self esteem
  • Depression
  • Poor coping strategies
  • Higher anxiety
  • Underachievement

When these symptoms were ignored or unnoticed and left untreated, they led to poor job performance, divorce, never completing college, and substance abuse as adults. This is primarily because these individuals have not received help dealing with problems as children and, therefore, the problems continue to worsen into adulthood.

Continuing research will help us to understand more about the different effects ADHD has on males vs. females. While there are many similarities, there are sure to be more differences found. This will allow for more accurate diagnoses, as well as treatment plans to ensure no child is left without help.