ADHD Diagnosed 5 Years Later in Women Than Men: Study Finds

The findings showed that women were diagnosed at an average age of 28.96, while men were diagnosed earlier, at 24.13 years. However, symptoms began at similar ages across both sexes. Dr. Amoretti explained, “We found that although ADHD symptoms started at a similar age in males and females, women were diagnosed about five years later. By the time of diagnosis, they showed more severe symptoms, worse functioning in daily life, and higher rates of depression and anxiety.”

“Girls with ADHD are more likely to seem inattentive and generally less disruptive. This becomes clinically important, as it means that women are just not treated early enough, and often are just not diagnosed at all. We have seen similar tendencies internationally, so it is likely that this is a global problem. The nature of the condition leads to poorer diagnosis in women everywhere, meaning that women can lose on average five years of treatment, 5 years of a better life”.

Males were three times more likely to report legal troubles—18.1% of men had experienced legal issues compared to just 6.6% of women.

Reference: Mestres F, Richarte V, Crespín JJ, et al. Sex differences in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A population-based study. European Psychiatry. 2025;68(1):e90. doi:10.1192/j.eurpsy.2025.2441