For decades, ADHD was believed to predominantly affect males. As a result, many girls with ADHD, such as myself, have their symptoms overlooked or their diagnosis minimized. As research has debunked the myth that ADHD is a “boy’s disorder,” Professor Stephen Hinshaw, a distinguished professor at the University of California, Berkeley, as well as researcher, mentor, and tireless advocate, has shed a spotlight on the profound correlation of undiagnosed ADHD and long-term mental health struggles. From leading one of the first large-scale, longitudinal studies on girls with ADHD (BGALS) to overcoming internalized stigmas, Hinshaw’s work has empowered young girls (such as myself) to view ADHD as a difference, not a deficit (Hinshaw et al., 2022).
The study
Professor Hinshaw’s study followed two groups from childhood through adolescence and adulthood, up through their 30s. The first had carefully diagnosed ADHD, the second (a matched comparison sample) did not. The developmental trajectories between the two groups were groundbreaking: for the girls with ADHD, chronic academic difficulties, peer rejection, risky sexual behavior, and self-injury was far more prevalent compared to the non-ADHD group.
ADHD is NOT a “boy’s disorder”
As Professor Hinshaw pointed out, although inattentive ADHD symptoms “are less noticeable and/or bothersome,” the real delay in diagnosis is due to the fact that “so many girls in grade school and their families [adopt] coping and compensatory mechanisms (that’s what girls are supposed to do, right?)” These mechanisms mask ADHD, which does not come without a cost: “lowered self-esteem, anxiety and depression, plus delays in receiving needed treatment.”
Hinshaw’s own research has found that when comparing girls with an “‘equivalent’ background and ADHD severity,” those who had been traumatized (physically, sexually and/or neglected) [had] 2.5 times the rate of attempted suicide by early adulthood.” Without the proper support, the correlation between untreated ADHD (or poorly treated ADHD) and increased risk for depression, non-suicidal self-injury (like cutting), and even serous suicide attempts is alarming.
The Takeaway
However, what I found most insightful was the “split in the field” when approaching trauma and neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Hinshaw explained to me that researchers and clinicians interested in neurodevelopment “focus on genetic vulnerabilities and brain mechanisms,” while trauma specialists prioritize environmental factors such abuse or neglect. The reality is that the two often coexist: both neurodevelopment and trauma contribute to long-term mental health issues.
Call to Action:
Professor Hinshaw’s work underscores the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration: “more joint consideration of trauma and neurodevelopmental conditions” and educational reforms to create supportive learning environments.
“The idea is to forgo the punitive practices and help caregivers and teachers understand the potential role of trauma in the child’s history.” Without such knowledge, clinicians may misattribute ADHD symptoms to past experiences rather than the underlying neurodevelopmental condition. “A positive approach–breaking skills and goals into small steps, using external rewards (more so than is needed for neurotypical kids), eliminating the criticism and blame, and emphasizing strengths is the way to go.”
Dr. Stephen Hinshaw remains one of the most influential voices in the realm of adolescent psychology. His contributions have urged both the scientific and public community to better support girls with ADHD, rather than merely leaving them to cope.
Sources
- Print/Digital:
Hinshaw, S. P., Nguyen, P. T., O’Grady, S. M., & Rosenthal, E. A. (2022). Annual Research Review: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in girls and women: underrepresentation, longitudinal processes, and key directions. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 63(4), 484–496. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13480
- Interview:
February 27, 2025
Navagations 