fbpx

Exploring Bias in ADHD Diagnosis: Are Gender Discrepancies Overlooked?

Exploring Bias in ADHD Diagnosis

For years, studies have hinted at a disproportionate identification of childhood ADHD, with boys being diagnosed two to ten times more frequently than girls (Slobodin and Davidovitch, “Gender Differences in Objective and Subjective Measures of ADHD among Clinic-Referred Children”).

Various factors contribute to this trend, such as girls potentially employing better masking or coping strategies and the influence of gender expectations and referral biases on reporters such as teachers and parents.

At Mentavi Health /ADHD Online, our extensive database comprises over 155,000 comprehensive assessments, with over 95% focusing on adult diagnoses. We also provide a rigorous and largely unbiased assessment environment for our psychologists and the patients they serve. Intrigued by the historical bias, we examined our own diagnosis rates for adults by gender, utilizing de-identified data.

The results of our analysis were compelling. Despite a slight difference, the variance in adult diagnosis rates between males and females was less than 1%. While our approach doesn’t constitute a formal finding, it does suggest, albeit anecdotally, that gender expectations and perceptions of ADHD in childhood may be overlooking many individuals who are struggling to find their optimal path forward.

Explore More

Articles

Beyond ADHD: Uncovering
Hidden Companions

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is more than just difficulty with concentration or staying...
Read now
Podcasts

ADHD and Time Blindness – In Our Lives with Jaclyn Paul

Today’s episode is the final in our series on ADHD...
Listen now
Webinars

Unraveling the Puzzle: ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression Explained

Do you often feel ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression overlap, making...
Watch now

The system is experiencing technical issues scheduling new appointments.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. We understand the importance of making an appointment, and this issue is our top priority.

Please reach out to us via chat or call us at 888-493-ADHD (2343) and we will assist you. If we are not available, please leave us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

The ADHD Online Team

Provide this form to your local practitioner. You could:

  • Send this link
  • Email the pdf
  • Print it out and bring it to your appointment

Ask your practitioner
to complete the form

In this form, your practitioner will request that ADHD Online continue to provide uninterrupted care

Return the form to us

You or your practitioner can return this form to us via email or fax it to 616-210-3118