 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a significant yet largely neglected mental health issue among girls and women that deserves greater awareness, support and treatment options or interventions. DNA Global staff Kayla Almekhlafi, MPH and Dr. Jain recently published a scoping literature review “Unveiling Gender Disparities in ADHD: A Literature Review on Factors and Impacts of Late Diagnosis in Females (2010-2023)” as our commitment to supporting and empowering women throughout their life course, and systematically addressing gender/cultural inequity is paramount.
Female ADHD is Underdiagnosed ADHD is often underdiagnosed in girls because their symptoms differ from boys. About 3.10% of adults have primarily inattentive ADHD, such as difficulty focusing and poor organization, while 2.95% show more hyperactive behaviors like fidgeting and excessive talking. Women tend to have more inattentive symptoms and men more hyperactive and impulsive ones, making ADHD in girls and boys easier to spot and diagnose. This symptom presentation contributes to misconceptions and missed opportunities for early intervention, often leaving women to cope with associated challenges, like underachievement and emotional distress. Research indicates that gender biases in medical referrals and ADHD diagnoses are systemic, resulting in fewer girls and women receiving the support they need. This gender disparity is further exacerbated in minority populations. Cultural differences may lead to variations in what behaviors are considered atypical, contributing to lower ADHD diagnosis rates in some minorities. For instance, Black adults have a 47% lower likelihood of receiving an ADHD diagnosis compared to their White counterparts, and this discrepancy increases to 63% for Black females. Additionally, there is a treatment gap, as White children are more likely to receive ADHD treatment than Asian children, who are 64% less likely to receive treatment. These disparities underscore the necessity of addressing cultural, ethnic, and gender considerations in ADHD healthcare practices in the diverse U.S. population Shifting the ADHD Gender Paradigm The current diagnostic frameworks for ADHD are broad and generally do not consider the gender-specific symptom presentation and inequities of the disorder. Recognizing the lifelong trajectory of ADHD—with lasting personal and professional impacts throughout life course, it is vital comprehensive assessments and diagnosis into pediatric wellness visits, or school based health centers. By expanding understanding and revising guidelines and use across school-based and medical care settings, we can enhance diagnostic accuracy and ensure young girls, teenagers and women across lifecourse have access to quality, culturally-appropriate care. Practice and Research Implications: Reimagining Support and Creating Equitable Solutions We hope the lit review is useful to provide a comprehensive summary of evidence-base re: ADHD gender inequalities, factors and implications to inform future research, evaluation and program and systems change efforts. Following are some recommendations from our research:
As evaluators, we're committed to transforming data into actionable insights. We're not just about connecting the dots; we aim to challenge the status quo and build more intelligent, empathetic systems that truly reflect the needs of those we serve. As your dedicated thought partners, we're here to help create solutions that are not only informed but also innovative and impactful. if we can assist you to evaluate and address as a strategic thought partner and evaluator, reach out for a free consultation at sjain@datainaction.org. Together, we can forge a path towards a more informed and inclusive approach to ADHD and women’s mental health. Comments are closed.
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