Perceptions of girls and ADHD: results from a national survey

The purpose of this survey is to explore perceived gender differences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Online Harris Interactive interviews were conducted with 1797 adults (general public), 541 parents of children with ADHD, 550 teachers, and 346 children aged 12 to 17 years with ADHD. Responses were examined to determine perceptions of ADHD.

Most of the general public (58%) and teachers (82%) think ADHD is more prevalent in boys. The general public and teachers think boys with ADHD are more likely than girls to have behavioral problems (public: 52% vs 26%; teachers: 36% vs 18%, respectively), while girls with ADHD are thought to have less noticeable problems than boys, such as being inattentive (public: 19% vs 11%; teachers: 29% vs 10%, respectively) or feeling depressed (public: 16% vs 1%; teachers: 12% vs 0.0%, respectively). Four out of 10 teachers report more difficulty in recognizing ADHD symptoms in girls. An overwhelming majority of teachers (85%) and more than half of the public (57%) and parents (54%) think girls with ADHD are more likely to remain undiagnosed. ADHD was reported to have a negative effect on self-esteem, more so in girls. Girls who were taking medication for their ADHD were nearly 3 times more likely to report antidepressant treatment prior to their ADHD diagnosis. Girls were more likely to feel it was "very difficult" to focus on schoolwork and get along with parents.

Survey responses suggest that gender has important implications in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Responses by ADHD patients demonstrate gender-specific differences in the personal experience of the condition. Future prospective clinical trials are warranted to clarify the unique needs and characteristics of girls with ADHD.