Overview: Do Boys and Girls Experience ADHD Differently?
ADHD is diagnosed more frequently in boys than girls, but this may reflect identification bias rather than actual prevalence differences.
- Boys often display externalizing behaviors like hyperactivity and impulsivity, which are more noticeable.
- Girls, on the other hand, tend to present with inattentive or internalizing symptoms that are subtler and harder to detect.
Prevalence: How Common Is ADHD in Boys vs. Girls?
- Boys are diagnosed with ADHD about twice as often as girls in global studies, and in some clinical settings, up to five times more often.
- In the U.S., ADHD diagnosis rates are 15% for boys and 8% for girls.
- In adulthood, the gender diagnostic gap narrows to around 1.5:1, reflecting growing awareness and recognition of ADHD in women.
Symptom Differences: Boys vs. Girls
Boys typically show:
- Hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Fidgeting and restlessness
- Difficulty staying seated
- Interrupting others
Girls often display:
- Daydreaming and inattention
- Forgetfulness and poor focus
- Low self-esteem and anxiety
- Academic underachievement
Why Are Girls Often Underdiagnosed?
ADHD in girls is frequently overlooked due to several factors:
- Less disruptive behavior that masks symptoms
- Cultural and educational expectations normalizing boys as more active, while girls’ struggles go unnoticed
- Coping strategies that help girls hide their difficulties
- Diagnostic criteria historically based on male-pattern ADHD symptoms, missing female presentations
Impact of Masked or Missed Diagnosis in Girls
When ADHD in girls goes unrecognized, it can result in:
- Higher risks of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-harm
- Increased self-blame for academic and social difficulties
- Long-term emotional, academic, and social challenges due to delayed recognition
Spotlight: U.S. Data Snapshot
- According to the CDC, ADHD affects 15% of boys and 8% of girls aged 3–17.
- Overall, 11.4% of U.S. children in this age group are diagnosed with ADHD.
- Among children with ADHD, 60% also have at least one co-occurring condition (such as anxiety or behavioral disorders), highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.
Final Thoughts
ADHD doesn’t affect boys and girls in the same way. While boys are more likely to be diagnosed, girls are often overlooked due to subtler symptoms. Greater awareness of these differences is essential to ensure accurate diagnosis and better long-term support for both boys and girls.