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ADHD Rates Rise in Canadian Girls: A Shifting Trend?
8 Apr
Summary
- Canadian female adolescents now diagnosed with ADHD more than males.
- Pandemic stressors may have heightened ADHD symptoms in girls.
- DSM-5 changes broadened ADHD diagnostic criteria.
For the first time on record, female adolescents and young adults in British Columbia, Canada, have surpassed males in ADHD diagnoses. This trend, observed in post-pandemic years, marks a notable shift from previous patterns seen in the United States, where boys are typically diagnosed more frequently. The study analyzed health data from over 2.7 million individuals aged 3 to 29 from 2003 to 2023.
Researchers suggest that pandemic-related stressors may have exacerbated ADHD symptoms and highlighted unmet needs, with females potentially being more susceptible to social disruptions. Concurrently, updates to the DSM-5 in the U.S. and Canada broadened the diagnostic category, incorporating individuals with some functional interference and later symptom onset, making diagnosis more accessible than under prior stringent criteria.
An increase in public and clinical awareness surrounding ADHD is also believed to have contributed to greater recognition and help-seeking behaviors. Experts note it remains uncertain if this trend will be mirrored in the U.S., where current data shows ADHD is significantly more common in boys. This situation highlights a potential evolving landscape in ADHD diagnosis and recognition.
