Introduction
This section of the literature review focuses on the sub-question: How does treatment differ between boys and girls with ADHD? As a psychology student exploring gender differences in ADHD, I aim to examine variations in treatment approaches, access, and outcomes. ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, affects individuals differently based on gender, which can influence how treatments are applied (Rucklidge, 2008). Drawing from peer-reviewed sources, this discussion will cover medication trends, psychosocial interventions, and barriers to treatment. Key points include boys often receiving earlier pharmacological care, while girls may benefit more from tailored psychosocial methods. This analysis highlights the need for gender-sensitive strategies to improve equity in ADHD management.
Differences in Access to Treatment
Gender plays a significant role in when and how individuals first seek or receive ADHD treatment. Research shows that boys are more likely to access treatment earlier than girls, often due to differences in symptom presentation and societal perceptions. For instance, boys with ADHD tend to display more externalising behaviours, leading to quicker referrals, whereas girls’ symptoms are frequently internalised, delaying intervention (Derks et al., 2007). In a study of Dutch twins, it was found that boys received treatment at higher rates, partly because their disruptive actions prompted faster professional involvement (Derks et al., 2007). Similarly, another investigation into first treatment contacts revealed that males initiated care sooner, influenced by factors like comorbid conditions, while females faced delays possibly linked to under-recognition (Dakwar et al., 2014). These patterns suggest systemic biases where girls’ needs are overlooked, resulting in unequal treatment pathways. Furthermore, a Nordic study on the diagnostic process indicated that girls experienced longer waits for both diagnosis and subsequent treatment, emphasising the impact on overall care access (Klefsjö et al., 2021).
Variations in Pharmacological Treatments
Pharmacological interventions, such as stimulant medications, form a core part of ADHD treatment, but efficacy and prescription trends vary by gender. Trends over time show that boys have historically been prescribed ADHD medications more frequently than girls, reflecting diagnostic disparities (Castle et al., 2007). A review of medication data from the early 2000s highlighted that males dominated treatment statistics, with rising prescriptions overall but persistent gaps for females (Castle et al., 2007). Recent research on efficacy disparities confirms that while medications work for both genders, females may experience different outcomes, potentially requiring adjusted dosages or types due to physiological factors (Amiri et al., 2025). For example, in predicting clinical diagnosis and treatment, sex differences emerged, with males more often receiving pharmacological options based on predictive models (Mowlem et al., 2019). Additionally, a broad overview of ADHD treatments noted that drugs remain the first line for many, yet gender-specific responses, such as varying side effects, call for personalised approaches (Nazarova et al., 2022). In adult contexts, a meta-analysis found comparable efficacy across interventions, but highlighted the need to consider gender in neurostimulatory options, though direct comparisons were limited (Ostinelli et al., 2025).
Psychosocial and Alternative Interventions
Beyond medication, psychosocial treatments reveal further gender differences, with girls potentially gaining more from targeted therapies. Studies suggest that adolescent girls with ADHD respond better to single-gender group treatments, which address unique social and emotional challenges, compared to mixed settings (Babinski et al., 2013). This approach fosters a supportive environment, improving outcomes in areas like self-esteem and peer relations (Babinski et al., 2013). Implications for psychosocial care emphasise adapting interventions to gender, as females often face additional stressors like societal expectations, making therapies like cognitive-behavioural methods more effective when customised (Rucklidge, 2008). A comprehensive review supported combining psychological therapies with other methods, noting trends towards inclusive strategies that account for gender variances (Nazarova et al., 2022). However, evidence on non-pharmacological options remains mixed, with calls for more research into devices and alternative methods tailored to girls (Nazarova et al., 2022).
Conclusion
In summary, treatment for ADHD differs between boys and girls in access, pharmacological application, and psychosocial effectiveness. Boys typically receive earlier and more medication-focused care, while girls encounter delays and may benefit from specialised therapies (Derks et al., 2007; Babinski et al., 2013; Amiri et al., 2025). These disparities underscore the importance of gender-aware practices to address inequities. Implications for psychology include advocating for better screening and inclusive treatments, potentially reducing long-term impacts on mental health. Future research should explore these differences in diverse populations to enhance evidence-based care.
References
- Amiri, D., Briziarelli, L., & Tempesta, E. (2025). Gender disparities in ADHD medication efficacy: Investigating treatment outcomes for females compared to males. Middle East Current Psychiatry, 32(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43045-025-00508-y
- Babinski, D. E., Sibley, M. H., Ross, J. M., & Pelham, W. E. (2013). The Effects of Single Versus Mixed Gender Treatment for Adolescent Girls with ADHD. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 42(2), 243-250. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2012.756814
- Castle, L., Aubert, R. E., Verbrugge, R. R., Khalid, M., & Epstein, R. S. (2007). Trends in Medication Treatment for ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 10(4), 335-342. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054707299597
- Dakwar, E., Levin, F. R., Olfson, M., Wang, S., Kerridge, B., & Blanco, C. (2014). First Treatment Contact for ADHD: Predictors of and Gender Differences in Treatment Seeking. Psychiatric Services, 65(12), 1465-1473. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201300298
- Derks, E. M., Hudziak, J. J., & Boomsma, D. I. (2007). Why More Boys Than Girls With ADHD Receive Treatment: A Study of Dutch Twins. Twin Research and Human Genetics, 10(5), 765-770. https://doi.org/10.1375/twin.10.5.765
- Klefsjö, U., Kantzer, A. K., Gillberg, C., & Billstedt, E. (2021). The road to diagnosis and treatment in girls and boys with ADHD – gender differences in the diagnostic process. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 75(4), 301-305. https://doi.org/10.1080/08039488.2020.1850859
- Mowlem, F. D., Rosenqvist, M. A., Martin, J., Lichtenstein, P., Asherson, P., & Larsson, H. (2019). Sex differences in predicting ADHD clinical diagnosis and pharmacological treatment. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 28(4), 481-489. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-018-1211-3
- Nazarova, V. A., Sokolov, A. V., Chubarev, V. N., Tarasov, V. V., & Schiöth, H. B. (2022). Treatment of ADHD: Drugs, psychological therapies, devices, complementary and alternative methods as well as the trends in clinical trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 1066988. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.1066988
- Ostinelli, E. G., Schulze, M., Zangani, C., Farhat, L. C., Tomlinson, A., Giovane, C. D., Chamberlain, S. R., Philipsen, A., Young, S., Cowen, P. J., Bilbow, A., Cipriani, A., & Cortese, S. (2025). Comparative efficacy and acceptability of pharmacological, psychological, and neurostimulatory interventions for ADHD in adults: A systematic review and component network meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 12(1), 32-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(24)00360-2
- Rucklidge, J. J. (2008). Gender differences in ADHD: Implications for psychosocial treatments. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 8(4), 643-655. https://doi.org/10.1586/14737175.8.4.643
