The ADHD Gender Gap

Overview

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that is one of the most common conditions in children, and is often further complicated by existing co-morbidities with overlapping symptoms. Initially measured only by the presence of hyperactivity in children, the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition (DSM-5) now includes inattentiveness with studies suggesting persistence of symptoms through the lifespan.

Overall understanding and awareness of ADHD has evolved significantly over the years and continues to improve. However, stigma, stereotypes, and outdated gender role expectations still persist today and contributes to the lack of proper and accurate ADHD research, detection, diagnoses and treatment for women and girls. While the prevalence of ADHD is similar by gender, men and boys are far more commonly diagnosed—nearly 69% more likely— than women and girls in the United States due to perpetuating and harmful ADHD myths.

These barriers and social constructs often result in women and girls being un- or misdiagnosed in childhood with only some going on to receiving a diagnosis
and proper treatment later in adulthood. Recent research predicts individuals who are inadequately evaluated, diagnosed, or treated are highly likely to experience serious mental and physical health implications and outcomes.

Objectives

• Understand how ADHD presents differently in women and girls than in men and boys
• Discover causes for the gender gap in diagnoses and treatment for ADHD
• Debunk common ADHD myths and stereotypes
• Identify leverage points and provide recommendations for closing the gender gap in ADHD diagnoses