ADHD Diagnoses Surpass Boys in Parts of the World

New research shows the number of girls diagnosed with ADHD is rising faster than boys in British Columbia, Canada.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:06pm

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A highly detailed, translucent X-ray image of a human brain, with glowing neural pathways and structures visible, conceptually representing the scientific investigation into the factors behind the gender shift in ADHD diagnoses.An X-ray view of the brain provides insights into the complex neurological factors behind the rise in ADHD diagnoses among girls in some regions.NYC Today

A new study published in JAMA found that ADHD diagnoses among female adolescents and young adults in British Columbia, Canada have surpassed same-aged males for the first time on record. Researchers suggest the COVID-19 pandemic, changes to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, and greater awareness of ADHD may have contributed to this trend, which has not yet been seen in the United States.

Why it matters

This shift in ADHD diagnoses could have significant implications for how the condition is understood and treated, especially as it relates to gender differences. The findings raise questions about potential biological, social, and environmental factors that may be driving the rise in ADHD among girls and women in certain regions.

The details

The study analyzed health data from over 2.7 million patients aged 3 to 29 in British Columbia from 2003 to 2023. Researchers found that in post-pandemic years, ADHD diagnoses among female adolescents (ages 13-17) and young adults (ages 18-29) surpassed same-aged males for the first time. The authors suggest pandemic-related stressors, changes to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria that broadened the disorder's definition, and greater public awareness of ADHD may have contributed to this trend.

  • The study was published on April 8, 2026.
  • The data analyzed covered the years 2003 to 2023.

The players

JAMA

The medical journal that published the study on the rising ADHD diagnoses among girls in British Columbia.

Dr. Victor Fornari

Vice chair for child and adolescent psychiatry at Northwell Health's Zucker Hillside Hospital and Cohen Children's Medical Center in New York, who commented on the potential reasons for the trend.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The U.S. health agency that tracks ADHD diagnosis rates, showing boys are more likely to be diagnosed than girls.

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What’s next

Researchers and healthcare providers will continue to monitor ADHD diagnosis trends in the U.S. to see if a similar shift towards more girls being diagnosed occurs.

The takeaway

The rising ADHD diagnoses among girls in British Columbia highlight the need for a deeper understanding of how gender, environment, and societal factors may influence the expression and identification of the disorder. This trend could reshape how ADHD is perceived and treated, especially as it relates to potential differences in symptoms and experiences between males and females.