[Gender aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder].

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to clarify the clinical and psychological characteristics of girls with ADHD at different age periods.

Material and methods: During the screening study, outpatient records of 1430 children with ADHD were analyzed, among which two age groups were identified (872 children with ADHD aged 7-8 years, 558 adolescents with ADHD aged 13-14 years). The control group consisted of 60 girls without psychoneurological pathology (30 aged 7-8 years and 30 aged 13-14 years). The following research methods were used in the work: the SNAP-IY scale for assessing the severity of the disease, The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for assessing emotional and behavioral disorders, The Children's Form of Manifest Anxiety Scale (CMAS).

Results: The ratio of boys to girls in the study group as a whole was 3:1. In the younger age subgroup of children with ADHD, the gender ratio was 3.8:1, and in the older age subgroup - 2.2:1. Evaluation of ADHD manifestations showed that at the age of 7-8 years, boys and girls with ADHD are characterized by approximately the same level of inattention, while girls were distinguished by lower rates of hyperactivity and impulsivity. In the older age group, girls experience a decrease in inattention and hyperactivity, without significant changes in impulsivity. In girls, both in primary school and adolescence, a mild degree of the disease prevails. When assessing emotional and behavioral disorders in the younger age group, it was revealed that the total indicator of the SDQ scale and the indicators for the subscales «general assessment of difficulties», «emotional disorders» and «difficulties in relationships with peers» were significantly higher in boys with ADHD. Girls also showed better results on the subscale «prosocial orientation of behavior».

Conclusion: An assessment of the manifestations of ADHD showed that at the age of 7-8 years, boys and girls with ADHD are characterized by approximately the same level of inattention, while girls differ in lower indicators of hyperactivity and impulsivity. In girls, both in primary school and in adolescence, a mild degree of the disease prevails. It has been shown that the ratio of boys and girls with ADHD-H is significantly lower compared to other types of ADHD. Girls with ADHD are characterized by less pronounced behavioral problems and a greater degree of prosocial behavior, while the high level of anxiety in adolescent girls with ADHD is noteworthy.