Health
ADHD in males versus females: What you must know about the differences in symptoms and treatments
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be common, but it’s also sometimes hard to spot.
ADHD is usually first diagnosed in childhood and is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Symptoms of ADHD in kids can include trouble paying attention, difficulty controlling impulsive behaviors and displaying periods of hyperactivity.
NAVIGATING 2024 WITH STRATEGIES TAILORED FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, ADHD
But how these symptoms show up in boys versus girls, and eventually in men versus women, can make a big difference in diagnosis.
Sabrina Nasta, a licensed mental health counselor in Orange Park, Florida, told Fox News Digital that ADHD can show up in three different ways: through inattention, hyperactivity and a combination of the two.
ADHD in males compared to females can means significantly different symptoms, experts say. (iStock)
In women, ADHD most commonly manifests as inattention, which includes an inability to pay attention, distractibility and lack of compliance, according to Nasta.
In men, ADHD occurs in a hyperactive way, causing issues with sitting still or wanting to be constantly “doing something,” said the expert.
COVID LOCKDOWNS INCREASED ADHD RISK AMONG 10-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN, NEW STUDY FINDS
McCall Letterle, head of U.S. commercial operations for ADHD assessment company Qbtech, also commented on these differences in a conversation with Fox News Digital.
Athough many of the symptoms, including hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, are the same, it’s how the symptoms “manifest themselves” that causes a variation between males and females, the Atlanta-based expert noted.
Young girls with ADHD may sit still in the classroom, but they’re “not paying attention,” an expert said. (iStock)
A struggle with discipline seems to be a commonality of ADHD in men and women based on their lifestyle and age, Nasta added.
In young boys, for example, ADHD shows up as “unnecessary” hyperactive energy; they “don’t have the capacity to not do anything,” the expert said.
In girls, the same inattentiveness may arise, but it’s most likely internalized.
AS ‘MANIC CLEANING’ TRENDS ON TIKTOK PSYCHOLOGISTS REVEAL REASONS, RISKS BEHIND IMPULSIVE TIDYING
“They may be sitting in the classroom, they may be sitting still, but they’re not paying attention,” Nasta said.
“It’s tough because for a girl, it looks like they’re rebelling or being disobedient, [but] for a boy, [it seems that] they’re just being ridiculous and hyper.”
Underdiagnosis in women
The differences in ADHD presentation have led to a “massive amount of underdiagnosed women,” according to Letterle.
“This [disorder] was first researched in males, and the criteria developed around symptoms most commonly seen in boys,” she told Fox News Digital.
Initial research on ADHD in boys and men could have led to the misdiagnosis in women, one mental health expert suggested. (iStock)
“These are also the most overtly obvious symptoms — like hyperactivity, inability to sit still, disruption and difficulty focusing, often in the classroom — that lead to associated behavioral issues,” Letterle added.
While some women do experience these hyperactive symptoms, they are not the most prevalent symptoms and they look different when they do occur, according to Letterle.
“Women tend to exhibit symptoms that are more internalized,” she said.
“For instance, their inattention is much harder to recognize than boys, as it can be displayed as daydreaming or inward distraction.”
NEED A ‘WINTER RESET’? EXPERT SHARES BENEFITS OF SLOWING DOWN DURING COLDER MONTHS
Letterle pointed out the “external fallout” of these ADHD symptoms in girls — which results in “high rates of anxiety” due to missed information at school.
In many cases, girls have to work twice as hard to retain information and meet academic standards as their peers, and they experience low levels of confidence stemming from these difficulties, she added.
Girls with ADHD can experience “high levels of anxiety,” said a mental health expert. (iStock)
“That is subjectively a lot harder to identify than distracted boys, who are poking the individual next to them as they struggle to maintain focus.”
These variants lead to a “massive difference in diagnostic rates” between young girls and boys, Letterle said.
Boys are often diagnosed and treated faster than girls because their symptoms are easier to identify, she added.
Personalized coping
One of the best ways to cope with ADHD is to educate yourself, or your child, on the best way to function in different environments, said Nasta.
Some of the strategies she recommended include practicing mindfulness and self-awareness, and coming up with the best game plan in any given situation.
Stress management is another great coping tool, especially for boys, added Nasta.
Allowing kids with ADHD the time to release stress is an important coping technique, experts say. (iStock)
For kids, stress management can mean participating in leisure activities or hobbies like playing video games or hanging out with friends.
“It’s about allowing them to let that energy go in a more supportive way,” Nasta said.
EAR INFECTIONS IN YOUNG CHILDREN COULD LEAD TO DELAYED SPEECH, STUDY FINDS
ADHD in boys and girls can be difficult for caretakers — parents, guardians and even teachers — to identify when they lack the “appropriate tools” to make “more accurate referrals,” Letterle noted.
To overcome that challenge, Nasta encouraged caretakers to “listen more.”
“If you’re really paying attention and your kid’s trying, this could be a neurological or neurodevelopmental concern versus them just struggling with emotions,” she said.
In young boys, ADHD shows up as “unnecessary” hyperactive energy; they “don’t have the capacity to not do anything,” according to experts. (iStock)
It might be helpful for parents to “be more curious” and ask their children questions about their feelings when they are overwhelmed, Nasta suggested.
“What do you experience when you’re overwhelmed? Are you able to focus or pay attention to your teacher? Do you notice what your thoughts are doing?” she listed as example questions.
“If it sounds really concerning and intrusive, I would say that’s the point of … seeing a professional.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Early ADHD intervention is “critical for reducing suicide rates, job instability and substance abuse in those left untreated,” Letterle said.
“The diagnostic process has been left largely to subjective rating scales, creating a desperate need for clinicians to start adopting a more data-driven approach to symptom measurement,” she added.
Impairments in managing basic hygiene, finances, academic or communication skills could signal the need for ADHD evaluation, according to experts. (iStock)
“Objective data compares performance in the three core symptom areas against age- and sex-matched controls without ADHD — meaning women are compared to other women to improve the ability to accurately identify their diagnosis,” the expert said.
When to seek help
While the term “ADHD” is often tossed around to describe when someone is feeling unfocused, Nasta listed a few warning signs that could point to an actual diagnosis.
The expert said to monitor daily responsibilities such as hygiene, finances, academics and even basic social skills such as listening and communication.
“If you notice impairments and deficits in any of those, I would say that would be the time to talk to somebody,” she advised.
For people who are unsure of their symptoms, Letterle recommended seeking out a provider who uses objective data in a comprehensive evaluation.
“[This] would help to better ensure not only a more accurate diagnosis, but also one that helps eliminate the bias that often leads to high rates of underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis in women,” she said.
For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health.
Bipartisan push to invest in US national parks
Bret Baier moderates a discussion with Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Jared Huffman (D-CA) about the ‘America the Beautiful’ initiative. This bipartisan effort seeks to modernize national parks ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, investing $1.9 billion annually. They emphasize national parks as common ground, beloved by all Americans, and crucial for our shared heritage.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, many Americans are taking extra notice of all the things the country has to offer.
One such case is our access to vast wilderness. Today, the nation’s national parks are bustling tourist attractions, but they may also serve as vital resources for public health, experts say.
The most immediate health boost comes from physical movement.
HIKERS FACE URGENT GRAND CANYON HEAT WARNING AFTER TEEN’S DEATH ON POPULAR TRAIL
Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that regular physical activity is crucial for reducing obesity, improving sleep quality and lowering the risk of chronic illnesses.
The nation’s public lands include parks, trails and open spaces that encourage outdoor recreation and physical activity.
Beyond physical fitness, national parks contribute to documented mental health benefits. (iStock)
A review by the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) found that implementing park, trail and greenway infrastructure directly increases physical activity across communities.
AMERICA’S LIFESPAN HAS DOUBLED SINCE 1776 — EXPERTS REVEAL WHAT CHANGED
When people walk, hike or bike through national parks, they are actively lowering their blood pressure, boosting immune function and reducing overall mortality, data shows.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Beyond physical fitness, national parks may contribute to documented mental health benefits.
Previous research has demonstrated that direct exposure to nature significantly reduces physiological stress, lowers heart rates and decreases levels of stress hormones, like cortisol.
Engaging in educational activities and lifelong learning preserves brain function, improves memory and helps stave off age-related cognitive decline, research shows. (iStock)
This research also shows that natural environments boost attention span, combat mental fatigue and improve cognitive performance.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Parks also act as natural venues for mindfulness and social connection.
Research shows that practicing mindfulness in quiet outdoor spaces lowers stress and mitigates feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
Research highlights that practicing mindfulness in quiet outdoor spaces lowers stress and mitigates feelings of loneliness and social isolation. (iStock)
Additionally, because parks protect cultural and historical resources, they can inspire lifelong learning.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
According to the data, engaging in educational activities and lifelong learning preserves brain function, improves memory and helps stave off age-related cognitive decline.
The National Park Service was established in 1916 to conserve the nation’s natural and historic resources for future generations, according to the organization.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Today, that mission has expanded, as parks are recognized not only for their scenic and cultural value, but also the opportunities they provide for recreation and physical activity.
Screwworm outbreak threat to US livestock, prompts USDA action
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins discusses USDA’s response to the New World Screwworm outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, assuring safe food supply on ‘The Bottom Line.’ VI LONG DEK: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins addresses the alarming resurgence of New World Screwworm in Texas and New Mexico, emphasizing USDA’s aggressive containment efforts. She confirms the food supply remains safe while highlighting the administration’s focus on domestic fertilizer production, investing billions in new plants and infrastructure projects. Rollins celebrates 250 years of American agriculture and its vital role in national security.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Doctors thought a 60-year-old man had metastatic brain cancer after scans revealed multiple tumors – but further testing revealed a shocking diagnosis.
The Spanish man, who was not named, was found to have a parasitic tapeworm larvae lodged in his brain — a case of neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium).
The patient, a lifelong resident of Castellón, Spain, had not traveled to any regions where the disease is endemic, according to the case report published in the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
DEADLY ‘FOX TAPEWORM’ LINKED TO LETHAL DISEASE DETECTED IN WEST COAST WILDLIFE
The man had initially come to the hospital after suffering two weeks of progressive headaches and mild behavioral changes.
Radiologic findings from a study of autochthonous neurocysticercosis brain lesions mimicking metastatic disease. (Emerging Infectious Diseases)
CT scans showed multiple abnormal spots that looked like tumors that had spread from cancer elsewhere in the body, leading doctors to suspect advanced brain cancer.
However, whole-body scans, a colonoscopy and specialized imaging failed to identify cancer anywhere in the patient’s body, the case report stated.
NEUROLOGISTS REVEAL THE TOP 3 FOODS TO AVOID TO PROTECT YOUR BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM
When doctors performed a more detailed MRI, they discovered several fluid-filled cysts in the brain, some of which contained the head of a tapeworm. A blood test confirmed the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis.
The man was treated with a combination of albendazole and praziquantel (two antiparasitic medications), as well as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. He successfully recovered with no complications, according to the case report.
CT scans (not pictured) showed multiple abnormal spots that looked like tumors that had spread from cancer elsewhere in the body, leading doctors to suspect advanced brain cancer. (iStock)
The authors suggested that the patient may have gotten the infection after accidentally ingesting microscopic tapeworm eggs years earlier.
The exposure may have occurred while working a construction job with migrant coworkers from regions where neurocysticercosis is endemic.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
People can catch the pork tapeworm in two different ways. Eating undercooked infected pork usually leads to an intestinal tapeworm, but accidentally swallowing the parasite’s eggs — typically through food or water contaminated with feces — can send the larvae into the bloodstream, where they may form cysts in the brain and other organs. This can cause the disease the patient in the case report acquired.
A photomicrograph shows histopathologic features in a brain tissue specimen from a case of neurocysticercosis caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. The image documents pathological changes associated with this parasitic infection. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
As this was just a single case, the source of transmission could not be proven, the researchers acknowledged, and the findings cannot be generalized to a wider population. The report shows that there is a possibility of local transmission in non-endemic settings, but cannot establish how often this occurs.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
In the United States, less than 2% of neurocysticercosis cases are considered domestically acquired, according to the case report.
A prior systematic review identified only 18 confirmed locally acquired cases in Western Europe between 1990 and 2011.
The authors suggested that the patient may have gotten the infection after accidentally ingesting microscopic tapeworm eggs years earlier. (Associated Press)
In some cases, NCC can cause serious symptoms, including seizures, stroke, neurological deficits and cognitive decline.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“Our case emphasizes that the absence of travel history should not preclude NCC from the differential diagnosis of multiple ring-enhancing brain lesions, even in regions where metastatic cancer is statistically much more likely,” the researchers concluded in the case study.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Detecting the worms earlier could have prevented “unnecessary invasive oncologic procedures and led to prompt, targeted antiparasitic therapy,” they added.
Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A rare and potentially fatal tick-borne illness currently spreading across the United States can be traced back to a 1958 case involving a young boy on a farm.
The disease, known as Powassan virus, was named for the Ontario town near where it was first discovered.
At the time of his death, Lincoln Byers, a 4-year-old living in Canada, had a condition that medical professionals could not explain, the Boston Globe reported.
DEADLY ‘FOX TAPEWORM’ LINKED TO LETHAL DISEASE DETECTED IN WEST COAST WILDLIFE
Years later, researchers discovered a tick harboring the same virus on a dead squirrel, finally providing an answer to the tragedy, but foreshadowing a growing public health challenge.
While once considered an obscure medical anomaly, Powassan virus cases have reached historic highs in the U.S., data show.
Powassan is most prevalent from late spring through mid-fall, when tick populations peak and outdoor activity increases. (iStock)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 76 Americans were diagnosed with the virus in 2025, the highest annual total on record. Previously, the U.S. averaged just seven to eight diagnoses each year.
The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected woodchuck tick or deer tick. Like other tick-borne illnesses, Powassan is most prevalent from late spring through mid-fall, when tick populations peak and outdoor activity increases.
Public health experts warn that the virus’s transmission speed makes it uniquely dangerous.
TICK BITE ER VISITS HIT HIGHEST SEASONAL LEVEL IN YEARS AS DOCTORS WARN OF DISEASE SURGE
“One of the most dangerous aspects is its rapid transmission,” Dr. Jorge P. Parada, a medical advisor at the National Pest Management Association in Chicago, told Fox News Digital.
“Powassan can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after the infected tick bites, while Lyme disease usually requires a 36- to 48-hour attachment time for transmission.”
Powassan carries an incubation period of one to four weeks before symptoms manifest. (iStock)
Parada noted that while Powassan remains rare compared to Lyme disease, it poses clinical concern.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News, confirmed that the virus transmits significantly faster than Lyme disease. He noted that Powassan carries an incubation period of one to four weeks before symptoms manifest.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Initial symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting and weakness, though some infected individuals remain asymptomatic, according to the CDC.
There are currently no specific medications or vaccines to treat or prevent Powassan virus. (iStock)
The virus can progress to severe neurological complications, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord membranes).
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
In severe cases, patients may experience confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking and seizures, per the CDC.
“One of the most dangerous aspects of it is its rapid transmission.”
Approximately 10% of Powassan cases involving severe neurological disease are fatal, and many survivors experience long-term neurological issues.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
There are currently no specific medications or vaccines to treat or prevent Powassan virus; clinical care is limited to supportive therapy, such as intravenous fluids and respiratory support.
While anyone can develop severe illness, those at the highest risk include children, older adults and immunocompromised individuals, experts caution.
-
Lifestyle19 minutes ago‘Dead but Dreaming of Electric Sheep’ is full of beautifully written grotesqueries
-
Technology27 minutes agoGoogle’s NotebookLM can sum up your research in a TikTok-style clip
-
World34 minutes agoTrump admin backs Bolivia state of emergency as leftist ex-leader’s loyalists fracture nation
-
Politics37 minutes agoCongress eyes rare bipartisan housing win with or without Trump’s help
-
Health42 minutes agoAmerica’s national parks could add years to your life — here’s how they boost health
-
Sports49 minutes agoLeBron James Next Team Odds: Warriors, Cavaliers, Heat In Mix
-
Technology52 minutes agoThe trick to smoother streaming at home and on the road
-
Business57 minutes agoDowntown L.A. World Trade Center to become affordable apartments
