ADHD Subtypes in Children Linked to Gender

New cross-cultural research looks at the roles of gender in ADHD subtypes.

New research into gender differences in attention deficit disorder has confirmed that interactions of gender don't exist with ADHD overall—but may with ADHD subtypes.

The team of researchers, from universities in New York and Puerto Rico, looked at a sample of nearly 1,900 children ages four to 17 years old in Puerto Rico, and examined possible gender differences in ADHD and its subtypes, based on information gathered from diagnostic reviews and measures including comorbidity and treatment. ADHD occurred twice as frequently in boys than in girls. With one exception—boys were more likely to be suspended from school—researchers found no interactions of gender with ADHD overall, but found some interactions with ADHD subtypes. When subtypes were considered along with gender, boys were more likely to have comorbid mood disorders, and girls with inattentive type ADD were more likely to have comorbid anxiety disorders.

For more, read the August 2007 issue of Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines.