Why Is ADHD Underdiagnosed More in Girls Than in Boys?

PostedSeptember 25, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 29, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

ADHD underdiagnosis in girls is a significant issue, as many girls with ADHD go unnoticed or misdiagnosed, often due to the way the disorder presents differently in females. Gender bias in diagnosing ADHD means that girls, who are more likely to exhibit inattentive ADHD rather than hyperactivity, may not meet the typical criteria for diagnosis. This can result in a late diagnosis or misdiagnosis as other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, are often mistaken for ADHD symptoms.

Girls with ADHD often engage in masking symptoms, hiding their struggles to fit in with social expectations. This can make it even harder for educators and healthcare providers to recognise the condition. In contrast, boys are more likely to display the hyperactive and disruptive behaviours typically associated with ADHD, making it easier to spot the disorder early.

Common Symptoms

Masking Symptoms and Misdiagnosis

Due to masking symptoms, girls with ADHD often appear more compliant and quieter than their male counterparts. This can contribute to a misdiagnosis or an overlooked diagnosis, as their symptoms are subtler and more internalised.

Inattentive ADHD and Late Diagnosis

Girls with inattentive ADHD may struggle with focus, organisation, and task completion, but these symptoms are often mistaken for laziness or lack of effort. This leads to ADHD underdiagnosis in girls, as their symptoms may not be as disruptive as those typically seen in boys.

Addressing ADHD underdiagnosis in girls is crucial to ensuring that they receive the appropriate support and intervention to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

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.