The problem of the underdiagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among women is a significant matter of concern for modern psychology because it reveals deep-rooted gender biases that have persisted throughout the history of studying the condition. Traditionally, ADHD was diagnosed in boys whose predominant behavioral traits included hyperactivity and impulsivity, while in girls, ADHD symptoms were more internal, including inattention and emotional regulation. This discrepancy can be explained by the long-standing stereotypes about gender roles, which resulted in biased criteria for assessing the severity of ADHD and diagnosing the condition (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014; Young et al., 2020).

Such disparities can be explained with regard to gender bias that has traditionally pervaded psychological studies. For example, in their work, Peter Glick et al. (2000) outline the way in which benevolent and hostile sexism affect society’s perceptions of women and result in their being expected to be organized, attentive, and emotionally stable individuals. In terms of the discipline of psychology, there is an obligation to address the issue, making scientific studies accessible, developing advanced diagnostic methods and educating medical practitioners. According to the WHO (2015), gender proves to be crucial for the identification of one’s health status and its diagnoses and treatments. It is necessary to eliminate any prejudices that prevent proper recognition of the disorder in females.

The lack of diagnosis among women with ADHD is not only a medical problem but also a serious issue that has negative repercussions on educational success, occupational productivity, and psychological well-being. Females with undiagnosed ADHD face an increased likelihood of suffering from chronic stress, anxiety, and depressive disorders due to their long-term exposure to the untreated symptoms (Young et al., 2020). Many females do not voice their concerns as they tend to believe that their issues are related to their personal traits such as disorganization, emotional instability, and laziness. As a consequence, they experience deterioration in their mental health status and decreased self-confidence. This represents a major problem in the context of clinical practice, where atypical symptoms are disregarded or misinterpreted.
The recent findings suggest that the manifestations of ADHD among females might fluctuate over time depending on the changes in their hormone levels, which occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. These physiological changes can worsen inattentiveness and emotional disturbances, yet they are seldom included in conventional diagnostic instruments. This is why many women don’t get an accurate diagnosis until later in life or at all. This typically occurs following years of unsuccessful treatment for various psychological disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders. This not only makes it harder to make a treatment plan for the patient, but it also shows how important it is to have a testing process that is more sensitive to gender.

It is necessary for psychologists to be proactive and try to remedy the current situation by advocating for greater inclusiveness in research methodology and the diagnostic criteria that would provide information on the way ADHD is manifested differently in different people. Thus, there should be an increase in the participation of women in clinical trials, gender-specific screening, and attention to cultural and socio-economic implications of tests. Moreover, clinicians need to pay special attention to the detection of the subtler symptoms of ADHD, specifically those associated with executive function and emotional dysregulation, that tend to be more common among women.
The issue of underdiagnosed ADHD in women aligns with one of the main goals of psychology – to bring about social change. By contributing to solving this problem, psychologists will be able to minimize some negative outcomes of ADHD left untreated, such as poor academic performance, unstable employment, and relationship issues. In conclusion, increasing awareness and implementing these suggestions will improve public health in general as well as ensure an equitable and scientifically accurate approach to studying neurodevelopmental disorders.