Why Do Girls with ADHD Often Go Undiagnosed or Diagnosed Later Than Boys?

PostedSeptember 24, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 29, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Undiagnosed ADHD in girls is a common issue, as their symptoms often differ from those seen in boys. While boys typically show hyperactive or impulsive behaviours that are easy to spot, girls often exhibit more subtle symptoms such as inattention and disorganisation. These less disruptive signs can easily be overlooked or mistaken for other issues, leading to a late diagnosis of ADHD in girls.

A key factor in the late diagnosis of ADHD in girls is masking. Many girls learn to compensate for their struggles by hiding their symptoms. They might develop strategies to cope with inattention, like over-planning or relying on external structures, making their challenges less obvious. As a result, it’s not uncommon for girls to go undiagnosed until adolescence or adulthood, when the demands of school or work expose their difficulties.

Common Symptoms

Inattention

Girls with undiagnosed ADHD in girls often struggle with staying focused, especially on tasks that require sustained attention. This can appear as daydreaming, losing track of assignments, or missing important details in conversations.

Emotional Sensitivity

Many girls with ADHD experience heightened emotional sensitivity. They may become easily overwhelmed or frustrated, which is sometimes attributed to anxiety or other emotional disorders, delaying the correct diagnosis.

Recognising the subtle symptoms of ADHD in girls is essential for early intervention, allowing for more effective support and management of the condition.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Girls and women with ADHD.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.