Gender Differences in ADHD and Impulsivity: A Literature Review

Abstract

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 5-7% of all adolescents and children. Because it affects so many people, symptoms must be well documented in order to diagnose patients. This literature review aimed to find differences in ADHD symptoms and impulsivity across genders. Research specifically focused on the gender differences in ADHD, impulsivity in ADHD, and gender differences in impulsivity in ADHD. Studies consistently found males to be more diagnosed with ADHD than females, attributing this to either DSM criteria not being built on female symptoms or females internalizing their symptoms making them harder to notice and diagnose. As a symptom of ADHD, impulsivity was also consistently found to present differently across genders. Males were found to have higher negative emotionality (more susceptible to anger and frustration) and lower levels of emotional constraint compared to females. Females with ADHD were more likely to show symptoms of anxiety and depression when compared to males with ADHD. However the reviewed studies did not include a consistent way to measure impulsivity making it difficult to compare research. There was also a lack of research on specifically female symptoms. These findings are important in diagnosing and treating ADHD. Future research should focus on updating DSM criteria to include female symptoms and to find a consistent measure of impulsivity.