Researchers from NTNU have uncovered striking differences in how ADHD and anxiety are connected in girls and boys.
These new findings could pave the way for improved mental health prevention – especially among young girls.
ADHD and anxiety reinforce each other
The researchers identified a mutual reinforcement between ADHD and anxiety – particularly in girls.
If a girl exhibits symptoms of inattentive-type ADHD, it significantly increases the risk of developing anxiety, and in turn, anxiety can worsen her attention problems.
Girls more often have inattentive ADHD
While boys typically exhibit the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD, girls are more prone to the inattentive type.
This form of ADHD is less visible and therefore harder to detect.
The link only applies to girls
The correlation between inattention and anxiety was found only in girls. For boys, no such connection was identified.
However, the researchers found that boys with hyperactivity and impulsivity in early school years were more likely to develop anxiety later on.
Girls often go unnoticed
Girls with inattentive ADHD are often seen as shy, daydreaming, or disinterested.
As a result, they frequently go undiagnosed and miss early interventions that could prevent anxiety from developing.
Early detection is crucial
According to the researchers, identifying and treating symptoms of inattention as early as age eight could reduce the risk of later anxiety disorders – especially for girls.
Boys get diagnosed earlier
Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors are more disruptive and easier to observe. This leads to earlier diagnoses and quicker access to support for boys compared to girls.
Social challenges have an impact
Children with ADHD often struggle socially, which can lead to bullying, exclusion, and stress.
Girls are more vulnerable to these negative experiences and are more likely to develop worry, anxiety, and even depression as a result.
Anxiety reveals ADHD in teenage girls
Many girls don’t receive an ADHD diagnosis until their teenage years – when anxiety symptoms become more pronounced.
Their earlier inattentive symptoms were often dismissed or mistaken for personality traits.
Gender makes a major difference
This is the first study to clearly show that the relationship between ADHD and anxiety varies by gender.
It highlights the need for gender-specific approaches in both diagnosis and treatment.
A long-term study with unique insight
NTNU’s research is based on a long-term observational study of 1,000 children born in 2003 and 2004.
They were followed every two years from the age of 4 until they turned 18.
The participants are now 22, offering researchers rare insight into the development of mental health challenges over time.
This article is based on information from News-medical.com.