Hidden in plain sight: delayed ADHD diagnosis among girls and women - a commentary on Skoglund et al. (2023)

J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2024 Oct;65(10):1398-1400. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.14023. Epub 2024 May 26.

Abstract

Skoglund et al. (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2023) finds women with ADHD experience a nearly 4-year delay in receiving an ADHD diagnosis compared to men, despite also having high rates of prior contact with the mental health care system. In this commentary, I discuss the findings of Skoglund et al. and how they shed light on possible explanations for this diagnostic delay among women, and the need to consider women-specific issues, like times of hormonal change, in ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: ADHD.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / diagnosis
  • Delayed Diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans