Women with ADHD Face Years-Long Diagnosis Gap, Study Finds
A new study reveals women with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are diagnosed, on average, five years later than men, despite experiencing symptoms at the same age, leading to more severe consequences and delayed treatment.
For millions, ADHD presents significant challenges, but understanding its varied impact on males and females remains limited. Researchers found that this diagnostic delay in women can contribute to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and functional impairment.
A team led by Dr. Silvia Amoretti of Barcelona analyzed data from 900 adults – 54.9% male and 45.1% female, with an average age of 36.94 – who received their first ADHD diagnosis at a specialized outpatient program. The study, recently published and to be presented at the ECNP Congress in Amsterdam, assessed differences in age of diagnosis, symptom severity, and associated conditions.
The analysis revealed a stark disparity: women were diagnosed with ADHD at an average age of 28.96 years, compared to 24.13 years for men. Despite this difference in diagnosis timing, the onset of symptoms occurred around the same age for both sexes. The research also highlighted differing behavioral patterns; men were approximately three times more likely to have legal issues (18.1% versus 6.6% in women).
“We found that even though ADHD symptoms started at a similar age in males and females, women were diagnosed about five years later,” Dr. Amoretti explained. “By the time of diagnosis, they showed more severe symptoms, worse functioning in daily life, and higher rates of depression and anxiety.”
This delay is particularly concerning because it suggests that ADHD in women often goes unrecognized until it escalates into a more serious problem. Researchers believe that early signs in girls and women are frequently missed, especially when symptoms manifest as inattention rather than overt disruptiveness. This finding underscores the need for earlier screening and diagnostic tools tailored to the unique presentation of ADHD in women.
The initial research aim wasn’t focused on sex-based differences in diagnosis timing, but rather on understanding the general age of symptom onset. The significant gap in diagnosis times emerged during the analysis, surprising the research team.
“It’s likely that women are diagnosed later as the symptoms of ADHD manifest themselves differently in men and women,” Dr. Amoretti stated. “Boys are more likely to be hyperactive or impulsive, behaviors readily noticed by parents, teachers, and clinicians. Girls, on the other hand, often present with inattentiveness and less disruptive behaviors, leading to underdiagnosis.” This disparity means women are often left untreated for years,potentially losing out on crucial support and improved quality of life. .
Commenting on the study, Professor Sandra Kooij of Amsterdam UMC/VUmc and psyq emphasized the role of societal and medical awareness. “This study…shows the delay in diagnosis in girls and women with ADHD compared to boys and males,” she said. “Different presentation of symptoms, lack of awareness among clinicians that women have ADHD too, and the hormonal changes leading to severe mood instability…are all responsible for the gender differences in time to diagnosis.” Professor Kooij, who was not involved in the research, added that increased awareness is crucial for ensuring girls and women receive timely help.
The findings highlight a global issue, with similar trends observed internationally. Addressing this diagnostic gap requires a concerted effort to improve recognition of ADHD in women and develop more sensitive diagnostic approaches.
Source: European collage of Neuropsychopharmacology
Journal reference: Mestres, F., et al. (2025) Sex differences in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A population-based study. European Psychiatry. doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2025.2441
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