Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Girls vs Boys: Symptoms, Key Differences, and How to Support Young People
January 29, 2026
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The global prevalence of children with ADHD is 5%, with more boys being diagnosed with ADHD than girls.
What are the differences between boys and girls with ADHD?
Types of ADHD
The most commonly referred to difference between ADHD presentation in boys and girls is that boys are more likely to have hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, whereas girls are more likely to have inattentive ADHD.
Those with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD are more likely to display symptoms such as hyperactivity, restlessness, impulsivity, and rash decision-making. Those with inattentive ADHD are more likely to display symptoms such as being easily distracted, difficulty following instructions, difficulty with organisation, and forgetting everyday tasks.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can often be harder for people to recognise, meaning that those with inattentive ADHD are less likely to be diagnosed and receive help. As girls are more likely to have inattentive ADHD, it may be that they are less likely to be recognised.
Anxiety and Depression
Girls with ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. They also self-report higher anxiety symptoms than boys with ADHD do. This may cause ADHD in girls to be overlooked, thinking it is anxiety or depression, rather than ADHD.
Why is it important to know the differences?
Knowing the differences between how ADHD can present in girls and boys is important to be able to provide support to all young people with ADHD. All symptoms of ADHD must be known and understood to be able to recognise young people who may have ADHD and offer the right support for them.
A common misconception about ADHD is that it’s only hyperactivity. This is wrong, and it can negatively affect those with ADHD who are not hyperactive. If girls are more likely to have inattentive ADHD, their struggles are more likely to be overlooked, and they are less likely to receive the support they need.
People with ADHD are more likely to struggle with their school work, experience time blindness, and struggle with their mental health. By failing to recognise the different ways ADHD can present in girls, we are neglecting a significant percentage of people who may be experiencing challenges in their everyday lives.
How can we support girls with ADHD?
Increase Awareness of the Different Types of ADHD
As discussed, people often associate ADHD with hyperactivity and stop there. By raising awareness of the different types of ADHD and the different symptoms a person may have, the likelihood of girls with ADHD being disregarded or misdiagnosed decreases.
Speak About Symptoms of ADHD in Schools
Teachers, school staff, and students need to know about the different symptoms of ADHD. This increases the likelihood of a teacher or staff member recognising a student with potential ADHD, and may increase the confidence of a student to reach out to staff if they suspect they have ADHD.
Provide Unbiased Support
The support offered to young people with ADHD should be unbiased and not based on any preconceptions of what ADHD looks like. When supporting a young person with ADHD, it is important to get to know the person as an individual; ADHD presents differently for different people and support isn’t a one-size-fits-all.
If you would like to talk to someone about ADHD, remember that Mindsum offers free initial consultations with a mental health professional.