Girls with Inattentive ADHD at Greater Risk of Anxiety, Study Finds
A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry by researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has revealed that girls with inattentive-type ADHD are at significantly higher risk of developing anxiety disorders than boys. The research highlights the critical need for early detection and targeted interventions to break this cycle.
Part of the Trondheim Early Secure Study (TESS), the observational study tracked 1,000 children from age 4 to 18. It found a strong, reciprocal relationship between inattention and anxiety—but only in girls. In contrast, boys showed no such link, though early hyperactivity was associated with later anxiety.
Girls with inattentive ADHD—often seen as shy, distracted, or dreamy—frequently go undiagnosed because their symptoms are less disruptive. This delay in diagnosis means they often miss out on early treatment that could prevent the onset of anxiety.
“First and foremost, we have identified a link between anxiety and inattentive type ADHD, and we find that this only applies to girls,” said Professor Lars Wichstrøm from NTNU’s Department of Psychology.
Researchers emphasize that identifying signs of inattention as early as age 8 could help prevent serious mental health issues later. They call for more research, especially focused on young girls, to understand the distinct connections between ADHD subtypes, anxiety, and gender.
References: Achenbach, T.M. , McConaughy, S.H. , & Howell, C.T. (1987). Child/adolescent behavioral and emotional problems: Implications of cross‐informant correlations for situational specificity. Psychological Bulletin, 101, 213–232. - PubMed
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