How Common Is Self-Harm Among Girls with ADHD?

PostedSeptember 24, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 29, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

Self-harm ADHD girls is a concerning issue, with studies showing that girls with ADHD are at a higher risk of engaging in self-destructive behaviours compared to their peers. The emotional dysregulation that often accompanies ADHD can make it difficult for these girls to manage their feelings, leading to frustration, sadness, and anger. In some cases, this emotional overwhelm may manifest as self-harm, a way for individuals to cope with intense emotions and feelings of inadequacy.

Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience suicidal ideation, particularly if their ADHD goes undiagnosed or untreated for an extended period. The ongoing struggle with school, relationships, and self-esteem can contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, further increasing the risk of self-harming behaviours.

Common Symptoms

Emotional Dysregulation and Coping Strategies

Self-harm ADHD girls often use self-harming as a maladaptive coping strategy to manage overwhelming emotions. The lack of effective coping strategies can result in these behaviours becoming a way to express or alleviate their distress.

Mental Health Support and Early Diagnosis

Providing mental health support and early diagnosis is crucial to preventing self-harm in girls with ADHD. Early intervention, including therapy and coping strategies, can help these girls better manage their emotions and reduce the risk of engaging in self-destructive behaviours.

Recognising the risk of self-harm ADHD girls and addressing their emotional and mental health needs is essential for providing the right support and ensuring healthier coping mechanisms.

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.