The well-known neurological condition known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) impairs a person’s capacity for concentration and focus. Worldwide, it is estimated that about 365 million adults↗ suffer with ADHD.

Although it is believed that males are more likely than women to have ADHD, research has revealed that gender disparities in the illness may be more nuanced than previously believed.

What gender-specific differences exist in the manifestation of ADHD? The most recent studies on ADHD in men and women will be examined in this article, along with the implications for diagnosis and therapy.

ADHD Diagnosis in Women and Men

The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)↗ reports that 10.2% of kids and teenagers between the ages of 4 and 17 received an ADHD diagnosis in 2016. Boys made up the bulk of these kids (14%), while females made up just 6.3%. Accordingly, males are twice as likely as girls to get an ADHD diagnosis, and the gender gap widens with age.

Because ADHD is frequently perceived as a “boys’ disorder,” girls may be disregarded or given the incorrect diagnosis. The stereotype that hyperactivity is a masculine trait is one of the causes. Another factor is that women’s ADHD symptoms are frequently more subdued.

Typical Variations in Symptoms

It’s crucial to take into account that the symptoms of ADHD in men and women manifest differently.

• Compared to women, men with ADHD are more likely to exhibit hyperactivity, impulsivity, and hostility. Women, on the other hand, might struggle with impulse control less.
• Men tend to focus on the benefits of instant pleasure when it comes to accomplishments, which usually results in risky conduct. Conversely, women could be more inclined to stick with and make plans to reach their long-term objectives.
• Compared to males, women with ADHD tend to be less attentive. They could struggle with things like finishing projects, keeping track of information, and staying on top of their obligations.
• Compared to males, women may experience mood swings more frequently and struggle to regulate their emotions.
• It’s possible that men are more likely to struggle with social skills like establishing and maintaining friendships and relationships.
• Compared to males, women may suffer from higher levels of anxiety, despair, and self-doubt.

Disparities in the Treatment of ADHD

Research indicates that men and women with ADHD frequently receive unequal support and treatment.

The sorts of drugs used to treat ADHD show differences between how the illness is treated in men and women. Boys and men are more likely than girls and women to be administered stimulant drugs for ADHD, according to studies↗. This is believed to be partly because stimulants are probably more beneficial for guys with ADHD than for girls.

Compared to girls and women with ADHD, boys and men are more likely to undergo behavioral therapies, according to data. This is believed to be because males are more likely to be sent to behavioral intervention programs because they are more likely to be diagnosed and treated in the first place. Furthermore, the programs that are accessible can be more geared toward males and boys, increasing the possibility that they will get behavioral treatments.

It is evident that ADHD therapies do not take into account the disparities in the experiences of men and women with the illness. The fact that gender-specific treatment programs foster an atmosphere that is more favorable to patient involvement provides strong evidence for their efficacy. When people of the same gender are grouped together in therapy and treatment settings, patients tend to feel more at ease and connected to their peers, which increases their drive to get help and get better.

Nonetheless, the drugs used to treat ADHD in men and women are same. There are no significant variations in the efficacy of stimulant drugs between males and females when it comes to treating ADHD symptoms.

In conclusion

Although it is evident that both sexes are affected by ADHD, the degree and kind of symptoms differ. When making judgments about diagnosis and therapy based on gender, care must be used because gender alone cannot account for the variations in ADHD symptoms. In the end, both men and women may more accurately assess their unique requirements and receive more effective diagnoses and treatments if they are aware of the small gender variations in ADHD.

We must raise awareness of the disparities in this disorder’s manifestations by gender. Research that can identify the specifics of ADHD in each gender must be funded. In order to develop more customized treatment plans, it is hoped that science will reveal the distinct ways that men and women experience this condition.