Studies by the National Institutes of Health reported that in general, symptoms of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD for short, are not sex-specific, meaning symptoms in males and in females are more alike than they are different. Nevertheless, there are definite differences that can be missed if parents and teachers are unaware of them. Males are much more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD—three times more common, actually—than are females. Therein lies some very interesting nuances. It appears that referral bias is a problem. Males are much more likely to be referred for ADHD testing than are girls. Consequently, more males are likely to be diagnosed. Parents are more likely to take their son(s) to a physician for evaluation than they are to take their daughter(s). Again, this makes it more likely that more males will be diagnosed. A referral bias means that females with ADHD are less likely to receive treatment than males with ADHD. Treatments are said to be equally effective in males and females. However, until referral bias is addressed, and equal numbers of males and females are enrolled in similar treatment styles, this conclusion may remain unverifiable.
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