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Are Adolescent Girls with ADHD More Vulnerable to Depressive Symptoms? 

PostedSeptember 3, 2025
UpdatedSeptember 3, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice

Adolescent girls with ADHD are more likely to experience vulnerability depression ADHD girls compared to their male counterparts. ADHD symptoms in girls, such as inattention, emotional dysregulation, and impulsivity, can make them more susceptible to developing depressive symptoms. The difficulties in school, relationships, and self-esteem that come with ADHD can increase emotional stress, heightening the risk of depression. 

Gender-specific risks play a crucial role in understanding the vulnerability depression ADHD girls face. Societal expectations and gender norms can often make it harder for girls to seek help or express their struggles with ADHD. This, combined with hormonal changes during adolescence, can lead to a greater emotional burden, increasing the likelihood of depression. 

How ADHD Affects Emotional Health in Girls 

Emotional health 

Girls with ADHD often internalise their struggles, leading to heightened feelings of frustration and inadequacy, which can contribute to depression. 

Gender-specific risks 

Girls may experience additional pressures, such as social expectations and emotional sensitivity, making it more challenging to cope with ADHD symptoms and manage mental health. 

Vulnerability depression ADHD girls is a growing concern that highlights the need for early intervention and gender-sensitive approaches to mental health. Addressing both ADHD and depressive symptoms in adolescent girls can help improve emotional well-being and provide better long-term outcomes. 

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 Depression.  

Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk

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, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

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. 

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