The neurobiological profile of girls with ADHD

Abstract

Since boys are more commonly diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) than girls, the majority of theories and published research studies of ADHD have been based on samples comprised primarily (or exclusively) of boys. While psychosocial impairment in girls with ADHD is well established, the neuropsychological and neurobiological basis of these deficits is less consistently observed. There is growing evidence that boys' and girls' brains develop and mature at different rates, suggesting that the trajectory of early anomalous brain development in ADHD may also be sex-specific. It remains unclear, however, whether earlier brain maturation observed in girls with ADHD is protective. In this review, we outline the current theory and research findings that seek to establish a unique neurobiological profile of girls with ADHD, highlighting sex differences in typical brain development and among children with ADHD. The review highlights findings from neurological, neurocognitive, and behavioral studies. Future research directions are suggested, including the need for longitudinal neuroimaging and neurobehavioral investigation beginning as early as the preschool years, and continuing through adolescence and adulthood, with consideration of identified sex differences in the development of ADHD.

Asymmetric tonic neck reflex and symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in children

“…In this context, results of this study, in agreement with several findings, show gender differences in ADHD manifestations that likely are related to delayed brain maturation in boys compared with girls of which underlying mechanisms are currently unknown [18][19][20].…”

Grey matter volume differences associated with gender in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A voxel-based morphometry study

“…Research on gender differences in ADHD suggests a male-to-female ratio of 3:1 in population-based studies (Gaub and Carlson, 1997;Barkley, 2006), and between 5:1-9:1 in clinical samples (Gaub and Carlson, 1997;Sandberg, 2002). Girls have been underrepresented in past studies on ADHD (Mahone and Wodka, 2008), probably due to the predominance of male subjects in clinical settings (Ramtekkar et al, 2010). Females with ADHD have fewer hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, more inattentive symptoms, present more commonly with the predominantly inattentive subtype and tend to be underdiagnosed when compared to boys with ADHD (Gaub and Carlson, 1997;Gershon, 2002;Hinshaw et al, 2006).…”

Minor differences in ADHD-related difficulties between boys and girls treated with atomoxetine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

“…There are even fewer studies specifically investigating girls with ADHD (Mahone and Wodka 2008;Quinn 2005). Several studies in children and adolescents with ADHD (or subclinical attention problems) suggest that boys and girls differ much less than previously thought Graetz et al 2005;Rielly et al 2006).…”