Why Is ADHD Underdiagnosed In Females?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Underdiagnosis of ADHD in women has its roots in childhood. with ADHD tend

to try harder than their male counterparts

to compensate for and cover up symptoms. To keep up their grades, girls are often more willing to put in extra hours of studying and to ask their parents for help.

Why is it harder to diagnose females with ADHD?


It's not known

why ADHD presents differently in girls. These differences make the disorder harder to diagnose in girls. Sometimes, people recognize the symptoms but ignore them. Because of their varied nature, these symptoms may be written off as immature behavior or attributed to another disorder.

Why is ADHD more common in females?

One possibility is that

girls are in some way “protected” from developing ADHD

, and so it takes a higher burden of risk factors than in boys for girls to develop problems. Another possibility is that ADHD symptoms are missed in girls or that mental health problems in girls develop into problems other than ADHD.

Is ADHD a form of autism?

Answer: Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD are related in several ways.

ADHD is not on the autism spectrum

, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other.

Does ADHD present differently in females?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , boys are three times more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis than girls. This disparity isn't necessarily because girls are less susceptible to the disorder. Rather, it's likely because

ADHD symptoms present differently in girls

.

What are the 3 types of ADHD?

  • ADHD, combined type. This, the most common type of ADHD, is characterized by impulsive and hyperactive behaviors as well as inattention and distractibility.
  • ADHD, impulsive/hyperactive type. …
  • ADHD, inattentive and distractible type.

Who has ADHD more males or females?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is recognized

to exist in males and females

although the literature supports a higher prevalence in males. However, when girls are diagnosed with ADHD, they are more often diagnosed as predominantly inattentive than boys with ADHD.

How do you date an ADHD girl?

  1. Give positive feedback. …
  2. Understand her need for freedom. …
  3. “That's an interesting perspective” – JUST SAY IT. …
  4. When offering feedback that is corrective, be gentle and reinforce the positive. …
  5. Express emotions. …
  6. Show vulnerability. …
  7. Understand Time Blindness & DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY.

Can ADHD go away?



ADHD doesn't disappear just because symptoms become less obvious

—its effect on the brain lingers.” Some adults who had milder symptom levels of ADHD as children may have developed coping skills that address their symptoms well enough to prevent ADHD from interfering with their daily lives.

Can ADHD be cured?


ADHD can't be prevented or cured

. But spotting it early, plus having a good treatment and education plan, can help a child or adult with ADHD manage their symptoms.

What is the root cause of ADHD?

Genetics. ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought

the genes you inherit from your parents

are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of a child with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.

Can ADHD get worse as you age?

Does ADHD get worse with age? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

typically does not get worse with age if a person is aware of their symptoms

and knows how to manage them.

At what age is ADHD diagnosed?

How early is too early to tell if your toddler or preschooler might have ADHD? Most children aren't checked for ADHD until they're school age, but

kids as young as 4 can be diagnosed

, according to guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). At that age, many kids are active and impulsive.

How do you live with ADHD without medication?

  1. Overcome Your Inner Critic with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
  2. Pay Attention.
  3. Get Restful Sleep.
  4. Improve Nutrition.
  5. Create Structure.
  6. Find an Activity Partner.
  7. Improve Brain Function.

What can untreated ADHD lead to?

  • Low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Women are more likely to have low self-esteem if they have ADHD. …
  • Difficulty in relationships. …
  • Job instability. …
  • Negative parent-child interactions. …
  • Drug and alcohol misuse.
  • Increased mortality rate.

What age are girls diagnosed ADHD?

Girls are diagnosed with ADHD on average five years later than boys — boys at age 7 and girls

at age 12

. There are also many girls who never get diagnosed.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.