M-F & ADHD Differences

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD, is  a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by atypical levels of three symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In terms of male-female differences, studies have shown that females are more likely to be more severely inattentive. Males are more likely to have combined symptoms with higher rates of impulsivity and hyperactivity. In a nutshell, males tend to exhibit externalizing disorders, such as: substance misuse, conduct disorders, and antisocial personality disorders. Females are more likely to exhibit internalizing disorders, such as: anxiety, depression, somatic symptom disorders, and bulimia. In addition, hormones can worsen ADHD symptoms in females, and the changes in symptoms, perhaps functioning as a ‘red herring,’ may delay diagnosis.