Reflections on the manifestation of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in girls from young adults with lived experiences: a qualitative study
This study suggests that the presentation of ADHD symptoms in girls may be socially oriented, internalised and especially influenced by the social context. Also, female ADHD symptoms may be less visible due to scaffolding, masking and context. Future research should consider whether current ADHD diagnostic criteria require adjustment, to aid earlier recognition and diagnosis of ADHD in children and young people, especially in females.
Authors
- Joanna Martin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8911-3479)
- Rhys Bevan Jones (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8976-9825)
- Anita Thapar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3689-737X)
- Sharifah Shameem Agha (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9541-6786)
- Tamsin Jane Ford (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5295-4904)
- Ann Mary John (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5657-6995)
- Kapil Sayal (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2050-4316)
- Tamara Williams
- Lucy A. Livingston (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8597-6525)
- Isabella Barclay (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7694-3467)
Institutions
- University of Nottingham (GB)
- King's College London (GB)
- University of Cambridge (GB)
- Cwm Taf University Health Board (GB)
- Swansea University (GB)
- Cardiff University (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- The British Journal of Psychiatry
- Published
- 2025-09-22
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2025.10376
- Primary Topic
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Health and Care Research Wales
- National Institute for Health and Care Research
- National Center for Mental Health