Why Do Girls with ADHD Often Develop Anxiety and Depression?

PostedSeptember 24, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 29, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

ADHD girls anxiety depression are common comorbid conditions, and many girls with ADHD experience both anxiety and depression as they navigate the challenges of the condition. One of the main factors contributing to this is difficulty with emotional regulation. Girls with ADHD often struggle to manage their emotions, leading to intense feelings of frustration, sadness, and worry. These emotional difficulties can create a breeding ground for both anxiety and depression.

Additionally, the challenges that come with ADHD, such as academic struggles, social difficulties, and organisational problems, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. As girls with ADHD struggle to meet expectations, whether at school or in social situations, they may begin to internalise feelings of failure, which can increase their vulnerability to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Common Symptoms

Emotional Regulation Challenges

ADHD girls anxiety depression often go hand in hand due to the struggles with managing emotions. The inability to regulate intense feelings can lead to heightened stress, worry, and sadness, which can develop into anxiety or depression if left unaddressed.

Low Self-Esteem and Social Struggles

Girls with ADHD may face comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression due to poor self-esteem, stemming from consistent social struggles or academic setbacks. Feeling different from their peers can contribute to feelings of isolation and sadness.

Early intervention and appropriate support are crucial to address these overlapping issues. By identifying ADHD early and providing emotional support, girls can be helped to develop coping strategies and improve their overall mental health.

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.