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Recognizing Diversity in
ADHD Presentations

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Resources for health care professionals

The why

As of 2020, the global prevalence of diagnosed ADHD has risen to 7.6% in children, 5.6% in adolescents, and in adults, the prevalence of diagnosed, symptomatic ADHD has been estimated to be 6.7%.45,46 

When ADHD data are stratified by gender or race and ethnicity, disparities become apparent. Despite an overall increase in ADHD diagnoses, rates of diagnosis and management have not risen equally across all demographics.47,48

Many individuals, especially those who are female or from underserved communities, still encounter significant barriers to ADHD diagnosis and support.47,48 

We invite you to explore our centralized resource of articles, educational materials, and insights from Power AHEAD™ advisors collected specifically for HCPs and allied health professionals. By familiarizing yourself with the latest evidence, you may help with equitable ADHD diagnosis and management.

Let's work toward closing the gap and ensuring that every individual living with ADHD receives the appropriate support and care they deserve. We invite you to commence your research with the resources provided below.

Accurate diagnosis from diverse symptoms

Recognizing ADHD symptoms is the first step toward accurately diagnosing and treating individuals with this disorder.15 

ADHD in children often presents with hyperactivity and impulsivity, which decrease with age, though inattentiveness may persist into adulthood.49 Moreover, ADHD can present differently across genders. Coupled with societal perceptions of gender, these differences influence both symptom recognition and diagnosis rates.50,51 

Understanding these differences is important to providing accurate diagnoses and appropriate interventions. 

ADHD symptoms aren't one-size-fits-all; they vary between adults and children and across genders.52

Dive deeper

Recognizing ADHD

With awareness on the rise, patients or their guardians often initiate conversations about ADHD based on their...

Silent struggles: Why ADHD in women and girls is often missed

ADHD is often underdiagnosed in girls and women because their symptoms may be more subtle and skewed toward...

Stay up-to-date with the latest research

With research suggesting that only 10–25% of adults with ADHD receive the proper diagnosis and treatment, your ongoing dedication to expanding your knowledge about ADHD is incredibly important.55 Together, we can work to improve the lives of those affected by ADHD.

Dive deeper

Resources and training from other ADHD organizations

Like Power AHEAD™, the following organizations are dedicated to supporting you as you recognize, diagnose, treat, and...

References

  • 15. Adult ADHD Test – ADDA – Attention Deficit Disorder Association. https://‌add.org/‌adhd-test/

  • 45. Salari N, Ghasemi H, Abdoli N, et al. The global prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents: as systemic review and meta-analysis. Ital J pediatr. 2023;49(1):48.

  • 46. Song p, Zha M, Yang Q, Zhang Y, Li Z, Rudan I. The prevalence of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a global systemic review and meta-analysis. J Glob Health. 2021;11:04009.

  • 47. Mowlem FD, Rosenqvist MA, Martin J, Lichtenstein P, Asherson p, Larsson H. Sex differences in predicting ADHD clinical diagnosis and pharmacological treatment. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2019;28(4):481-489.

  • 48. Chung W, Jiang SH, Paksarian D, et al. Trends in the prevalence and incidence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among adults and children of different racial and ethnic groups. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(11):e1914344.

  • 49. Biederman J, Mick E, Faraone SV. Age-dependent decline of symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: impact of remission definition and symptom type. Am J Psychiatry. 2000;157(5):816-818.

  • 50. Biederman J, Faraone SV, Monuteaux MC, Bober M, Cadogen E. Gender effects on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults, revisited. Biol Psychiatry. 2004;55(7):692-700.

  • 51. Quinn P, Wigal S. perceptions of girls and ADHD: results form a national survey. Medscape. May 5, 2004. Accessed March 4, 2024. https://‌www.medscape.com/‌viewarticle/‌472415?form=fpf

  • 52. Rucklidge JJ. Gender differences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2010;33(2):357-73.

  • 55. ADHD symptoms in adults: signs of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Attention Deficit Disorder Association. Published December 22, 2022. Accessed March 2, 2024. https://‌add.org/‌adhd-symptoms