It is possible that social biases towards women may result in lower rates of ADHD diagnosis. Stereotypes about women and girls such as them being very "talkative" may cause a psychologist to overlook symptoms of rambling typically indicative of ADHD. Additionally, stereotypes about women "worrying tooo much" or being "overly anxious" may cause them to be diagnosed with anxiety and not ADHD.

Social Biases Lower Rates of ADHD Diagnosis in Girls 

Girls and women with ADHD often learn to develop better coping strategies for the symptoms of their condition in comparison to boys and men. This can sometimes result in the symptoms of ADHD in girls and women being harder to identify.

Hofstra University

According to a national 2016 survey on ADHD:
- 14% of boys were diagnosed with ADHD.
- 6.3% of girls were diagnosed with ADHD.

According to the CDC, boys are three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD. 

This disparity may exist due to the difference in ADHD presentation in boys and girls. Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD, which is characterized by more externalized symptoms, such as fidgeting and of trouble sitting still, and show more apparent behavioral issues. Girls are more likely to be diagnosed with inattentive type ADHD, which is characterized by more internalized symptoms that often go unnoticed, and exhibit less behavioral problems.

As a result of these differences, ADHD is often under-diagnosed in girls, and research shows this can lead to more problems with their self-esteem and mental health.

ADHD: Prevalence by Gender

Quinn, P. O., & Madhoo, M. (2014). A Review of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Women and Girls. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.13r01596

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A Review of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Women and Girls: Uncovering This Hidden Diagnosis

Girls with ADHD often are not diagnosed with the disorder as the symptoms they express are less obvious than those of their male counterparts. Boys with ADHD often display more apparent symptoms of ADHD such as fidgeting or difficulty sitting still. These symptoms are much easier to diagnose than the common symptoms of ADHD in girls such as inattentiveness.

Difference in ADHD Diagnosis in Girls: Symptom Presentation

Difference in ADHD Diagnosis in Girls: Better Coping Strategies

Girls and women may also be less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD as a result of them also having other disorders, and the symptoms of ADHD being mistaken for symptoms of things like depression or anxiety (disorders that girls and women are more often diagnosed with).

Difference in ADHD Diagnosis in Girls: Comorbidity with Other Disorders

Boys are diagnosed with ADHD approximately three times more often than girls. This statistical difference may not reflect the true prevalence but could be a result of a referral bias, as boys with ADHD tend to exhibit more aggressive and antisocial behaviors that are socially disruptive, making them more likely to be referred to psychological clinics for evaluation.

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