How Often Are Girls Misdiagnosed with Anxiety/Depression Instead of ADHD? 

Many girls are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression instead of ADHD, often due to the overlapping symptoms between these conditions. ADHD in girls tends to present with more subtle signs, like inattention, forgetfulness, or emotional dysregulation, which can easily be mistaken for anxiety or depression, leading to a misdiagnosis frequency that is higher than many realise. 

Why Are Girls with ADHD Misdiagnosed? 

Several factors contribute to why girls are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression instead of ADHD: 

Diagnostic overlap 

ADHD symptoms, especially in girls, often overlap with symptoms of anxiety and depression. For example, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and low mood can all be linked to these conditions as well as ADHD. This diagnostic overlap makes it harder for clinicians to identify the root cause of the symptoms, often resulting in a misdiagnosis of anxiety or depression. 

Subtle symptom presentation 

 Girls with ADHD are less likely to display hyperactive or disruptive behaviour, which are the more obvious symptoms that prompt an ADHD diagnosis. Instead, they may show subtle symptoms such as daydreaming, disorganisation, or emotional reactivity, which are often misinterpreted as signs of anxiety or depression. 

Gendered expectations 

 Social expectations for girls to be well-behaved and organised can make it more likely that their ADHD symptoms go unnoticed. When girls struggle with attention and organisation, it’s often attributed to personality or emotional issues, leading to the wrong diagnosis. 

Underdiagnosis in females 

ADHD has traditionally been diagnosed more frequently in boys, and diagnostic criteria have been based on how the condition presents in males. This leads to a bias where girls’ ADHD is underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, as their symptoms often don’t fit the traditional ADHD profile. 

The Impact of Misdiagnosis 

A misdiagnosis of anxiety or depression instead of ADHD can have significant consequences. Women with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle with treatment plans that don’t address the root cause of their challenges. This can lead to years of ineffective therapy and medications, as well as ongoing difficulties with self-esteem and daily functioning. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and tailored ADHD support to help with accurate diagnosis and treatment. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Late diagnosis and gender differences.