Adult ADHD Affects Genders Differently, Study Finds

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects men and women differently and similarities should not be assumed, according to a systematic review published in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry.  

Researchers from the University of Central Punjab in Pakistan reviewed 40 studies that looked at gender differences in the prevalence and effects of ADHD in male and female adults. Specifically, 18 studies focused on prevalence, 20 focused on effects, and 2 addressed both.

Women with ADHD tended to have difficulty in areas such as social functioning, time perception, stress tackling, and mood, according to the study. On the other hand, men showed greater impairment in working memory and educational functioning.

ADHD was more prevalent in men than women, researchers reported. Nevertheless, they noted a “significant presence of the disorder” in women.

Related Video: 7 Steps for Optimization in Adult ADHD Treatment From Dr Rakesh Jain

“The review shows sufficient evidence of gender differences in adult ADHD in prevalence and effects, [and] that similarity across genders should not be assumed,” they wrote.

The research team also reported that studies contain “plenty of conflicting evidence” when it comes to gender differences in adult ADHD. They advised the need for more continued investigation into potential differences and similarities in how men and women experience ADHD.

Reference

Faheem M, Akram W, Akram H, Khan MA, Siddiqui FA, Majeed I. Gender-based differences in prevalence and effects of ADHD in adults: a systematic review. Asian J Psychiatr. 2022;75:103205. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103205