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Women Are Diagnosed With ADHD 5 Years Later Than Men - Psychiatric Times

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CONFERENCE REPORTER

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in women is diagnosed approximately 5 years later than in men, despite symptoms appearing at the same age, says new research. Additionally, women with ADHD also endure emotional and functional difficulties than men.1,2 This work was presented at the 38th European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Annual Congress, on October 11-14, 2025, in Amsterdam.

“ADHD affects millions of people, but our understanding of how it presents and impacts males and females differently remains limited. We found that females are underdiagnosed, often receiving a diagnosis years later than males. This delay may lead to worse clinical outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and functional impairment. Males on the other hand showed a higher level of involvement in delinquent behaviours such as legal problems and driving-related difficulties. We believe that a better understanding these sex-based differences might improve diagnosis and treatment,” said lead researcher Silvia Amoretti, MD.

Investigators analyzed a large clinical sample of 900 adults (54.9% male, 45.1% female, average age 36.94) diagnosed with ADHD for the first time at a specialized outpatient program in Barcelona. Then, they assessed differences between males and females in terms of age at diagnosis, ADHD symptom severity, psychiatric comorbidities, psychosocial functioning, and disability. Participants went through a comprehensive clinical and psychological assessment, including semi-structured diagnostic interviews for ADHD and comorbidities. Results indicate that females are diagnosed with ADHD at an average age of 28.96 years, whereas males are diagnosed at age 24.13 on average, despite symptoms appearing in both males and females at approximately the same age. Males were around 3 times more likely to have encountered legal problems (18.1%) than were females (6.6%).

Additionally, females with ADHD had higher symptom severity (P<0.001), worse psychosocial functioning (P =0.039), and greater disability (P =0.001). They also exhibited higher rates of depression (P =0.003) and anxiety (P <0.001).

“We found that although ADHD symptoms started at a similar age in males and females, women were diagnosed about 5 years later. By the time of diagnosis, they showed more severe symptoms, worse functioning in daily life, and higher rates of depression and anxiety,” said Amoretti. “This is important because it shows that ADHD often goes unnoticed in women until it becomes a serious problem. Our findings suggest that we may be missing the early signs in girls and women, especially when their symptoms are less disruptive but still impactful. This has clear implications for earlier screening and sex-sensitive diagnostic tools.”

Amoretti believes women are diagnosed later due to how differently ADHD symptoms of ADHD manifest in men and women.

“We didn’t set out to compare the age of diagnosis in males and females, we were aiming to understand the general age when symptoms appear, regardless of sex. This finding was not part of our initial hypotheses but became evident during the analysis but became evident during the analysis, and the scale of the difference in diagnosis between the sexes was a surprise,” said Amoretti. “Boys are more likely to be hyperactive or impulsive, and this behavior is more visible to parents, teachers, and clinicians. On the other hand, girls with ADHD are more likely to seem inattentive and generally less disruptive. This becomes clinically important, as it means that women are just not treated early enough, and often are just not diagnosed at all. We have seen similar tendencies internationally, so it is likely that this is a global problem. The nature of the condition leads to poorer diagnosis in women everywhere, meaning that women can lose on average five years of treatment, 5 years of a better life.”

These results show that earlier detection and intervention in females with ADHD is needed, as it could promote adaptive coping strategies, reduce symptom impact, and prevent the development of comorbid psychiatric disorders in adolescence and adulthood.

“This study by Sylvia Amoretti and colleagues shows the delay in diagnosis in girls and women with ADHD compared with boys and males. Different presentation of symptoms, lack of awareness among clinicians that women have ADHD too, and the hormonal changes leading to severe mood instability in the last week of the cycle are all responsible for the gender differences in time to diagnosis of ADHD,” said JJ Sandra Kooij, MD, PhD, a psychiatrist and researcher in adult ADHD. “Increasing awareness in both society and medicine helps girls and women to get earlier help when they need it.”

References

1. Oltra-Arañó L, Crespín JJ, Corrales M, et al. Exploring sex differences in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a comparative study of onset, diagnosis, and symptom severity. Paper presented at: 38th European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Annual Congress; October 11-14, 2025; Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Accessed October 13, 2025.

2. ADHD: Women are diagnosed five years later than men, despite symptoms appearing at the same age. News release. October 13, 2025. Accessed October 13, 2025. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-adhd-women-years-men-symptoms.html

Overview

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adults UK often present differently in women compared to men, leading to delays in diagnosis. Recent research indicates that women are diagnosed approximately five years later than men, despite showing symptoms at a similar age. This delay in diagnosis can lead to more severe emotional and functional difficulties for women. Understanding these differences is crucial for improving ADHD treatment options and outcomes for women.

This article explores how ADHD manifests in women, the implications of late diagnosis, and the need for tailored ADHD management strategies. As more individuals become aware of these disparities, it becomes evident that earlier diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve quality of life for women with ADHD.

Key Details

Research presented at the recent European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress highlights significant gender disparities in ADHD diagnosis. A study involving 900 adults revealed that while both men and women show symptoms of ADHD around the same age, women receive their diagnoses much later, at an average age of 28.96 years compared to 24.13 years for men. This delay is detrimental, leading to worse clinical outcomes, including higher rates of ADHD-related anxiety treatment and depression among women.

Furthermore, the study found that males exhibit more disruptive behaviours, such as legal issues and impulsivity, which can make their symptoms more visible and lead to earlier diagnosis. In contrast, women often display inattentiveness, making it harder for clinicians and educators to recognise their ADHD symptoms. As a result, women may miss out on the support they need, affecting their daily functioning.

Dr. Silvia Amoretti, the lead researcher, emphasises that this underdiagnosis in women has global implications. The study showed that women with ADHD demonstrate greater symptom severity and functional challenges compared to men, highlighting the need for increased awareness and understanding of female ADHD presentations. This could lead to improved ADHD management strategies and better support for women across the UK.

Experts suggest that early intervention could help mitigate the impact of ADHD on women’s lives. This includes promoting adaptive coping strategies and addressing comorbid psychiatric disorders that often arise due to untreated ADHD. The findings underscore the necessity for sex-specific diagnostic tools to ensure timely and effective treatment for women.

Practical Takeaways

  • Discuss your ADHD symptoms with a GP to explore potential diagnosis options.
  • Consider seeking an ADHD assessment UK to determine the best course of action.
  • Track your symptoms and any emotional difficulties to share with health professionals.
  • Explore ADHD-friendly workplace strategies that can help with productivity.
  • Discuss with your GP about ADHD medication UK and other treatment options.
  • Utilise natural ADHD remedies that work for your lifestyle, such as exercise and mindfulness practices.
  • Engage with local adult ADHD support UK groups for shared experiences and resources.

Bottom Line

The most critical takeaway from this article is the significant delay in ADHD diagnosis for women, which can lead to worse outcomes. Timely recognition and treatment of ADHD symptoms can greatly improve quality of life. This information is particularly beneficial for women experiencing ADHD symptoms, as it highlights the need for awareness and better support systems within the UK. Remember, there are various ADHD management strategies available, including both medication and non-medication options.

📰 Source: Read the full article

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