Females with ADHD: An expert consensus statement taking a lifespan approach providing guidance for the identification and treatment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in girls and women

210Citations
Citations of this article
891Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Background: There is evidence to suggest that the broad discrepancy in the ratio of males to females with diagnosed ADHD is due, at least in part, to lack of recognition and/or referral bias in females. Studies suggest that females with ADHD present with differences in their profile of symptoms, comorbidity and associated functioning compared with males. This consensus aims to provide a better understanding of females with ADHD in order to improve recognition and referral. Comprehensive assessment and appropriate treatment is hoped to enhance longer-term clinical outcomes and patient wellbeing for females with ADHD. Methods: The United Kingdom ADHD Partnership hosted a meeting of experts to discuss symptom presentation, triggers for referral, assessment, treatment and multi-agency liaison for females with ADHD across the lifespan. Results: A consensus was reached offering practical guidance to support medical and mental health practitioners working with females with ADHD. The potential challenges of working with this patient group were identified, as well as specific barriers that may hinder recognition. These included symptomatic differences, gender biases, comorbidities and the compensatory strategies that may mask or overshadow underlying symptoms of ADHD. Furthermore, we determined the broader needs of these patients and considered how multi-agency liaison may provide the support to meet them. Conclusions: This practical approach based upon expert consensus will inform effective identification, treatment and support of girls and women with ADHD. It is important to move away from the prevalent perspective that ADHD is a behavioural disorder and attend to the more subtle and/or internalised presentation that is common in females. It is essential to adopt a lifespan model of care to support the complex transitions experienced by females that occur in parallel to change in clinical presentation and social circumstances. Treatment with pharmacological and psychological interventions is expected to have a positive impact leading to increased productivity, decreased resource utilization and most importantly, improved long-term outcomes for girls and women.

References Powered by Scopus

The prevalence and correlates of adult ADHD in the United States: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication

3031Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Validity of the executive function theory of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analytic review

2685Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

The age-dependent decline of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analysis of follow-up studies

1749Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Cited by Powered by Scopus

Neurodiversity at work: A biopsychosocial model and the impact on working adults

206Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Annual Research Review: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in girls and women: underrepresentation, longitudinal processes, and key directions

132Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Sex and gender in neurodevelopmental conditions

82Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Young, S., Adamo, N., Ásgeirsdóttir, B. B., Branney, P., Beckett, M., Colley, W., … Woodhouse, E. (2020, August 12). Females with ADHD: An expert consensus statement taking a lifespan approach providing guidance for the identification and treatment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in girls and women. BMC Psychiatry. BioMed Central. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02707-9

Readers' Seniority

Tooltip

PhD / Post grad / Masters / Doc 193

70%

Researcher 46

17%

Lecturer / Post doc 22

8%

Professor / Associate Prof. 16

6%

Readers' Discipline

Tooltip

Psychology 161

57%

Medicine and Dentistry 56

20%

Nursing and Health Professions 39

14%

Neuroscience 24

9%

Article Metrics

Tooltip
Mentions
Blog Mentions: 2
News Mentions: 29
References: 5
Social Media
Shares, Likes & Comments: 1093

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free