Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Women with Childhood ADHD: Comparisons by Diagnostic Group and Gender

  • Published:
Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study compared adult women with childhood ADHD to adult women without childhood ADHD and to adult men with childhood ADHD. The participants, all from a larger longitudinal study, included 30 women and 30 men (approximately age 23 to 24) with childhood ADHD, and 27 women without ADHD. Women with childhood ADHD were matched to comparison women on age, ethnicity, and parental education, and to men with childhood ADHD on age, ethnicity, and IQ. Self- and parent-reports of internalizing, interpersonal, academic, and job impairment, as well as substance use and delinquency indicated group differences on measures of self-esteem, interpersonal and vocational functioning, as well as substance use. Follow-up planned comparison tests revealed that almost all of these differences emerged by diagnostic status, and not by gender. This study adds to research on the negative adult outcomes of ADHD and demonstrates that the outcomes of men and women with childhood ADHD are relatively similar.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adler, L. A., & Chua, H. C. (2002). Management of ADHD in adults. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 63, 29–35.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Arnett, J. A. (2004). Emerging adulthood: a theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 5, 469–480.

    Google Scholar 

  • Babinski, D. E., Pelham, W. E., Molina, B. S. G., Gnagy, E. M., Waschbusch, D. A., MacLean, M. G., et al. (2011). Late adolescent and young adult outcomes of childhood ADHD in females: an exploratory investigation. Journal of Attention Disorders, 15, 204–211.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bagwell, C. L., Molina, B. S. G., Pelham, W. E., & Hoza, B. (2001). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and problems in peer relations: predictions from childhood to adolescence. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 40, 1285–1292.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bagwell, C. L., Molina, B. S. G., Kashdan, T. B., Pelham, W. E., & Hoza, B. (2006). Anxiety and mood disorders in adolescents with childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 14, 178–187.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barkley, R. A. (2006). ADHD in adults: Developmental course and outcome of children with ADHD, and ADHD in clinic-referred adults. In R. A. Barkley (Ed.), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A handbook for diagnosis and treatment (pp. 248–296). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barkley, R. A., Fischer, M., Smallish, L., & Fletcher, K. (2002). The persistence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder into young adulthood as a function of reporting source and definition of disorder. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 111, 279–289.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Biederman, J., Faraone, S. V., Mick, E., Williamson, S., Wilens, T. E., Spencer, T. J., et al. (1999). Clinical correlates of ADHD in females: findings from a large group of girls ascertained from pediatric and psychiatric referral sources. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 38, 966–975.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Biederman, J., Faraone, S. V., Spencer, T., Wilens, T., Mick, E., & Lapey, K. A. (2004). Gender differences in a sample of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatry Research, 53, 13–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Biederman, J., Monuteaux, M. C., Mick, E., Spencer, T., Wilens, T. E., Klein, K. L., et al. (2006). Psychopathology in females with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a controlled five-year prospective study. Biological Psychology, 60, 1098–1105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Biederman, J., Petty, C. R., Monuteaux, M. C., Fried, R., Byrne, D., Mirto, T., et al. (2010). Adult psychiatric outcomes of girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: 11 year follow-up in a longitudinal case-control study. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 167, 409–417.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Buchmann, C., & DiPrete, T. A. (2006). The growing female advantage in college completion: the role of family background and academic achievement. American Sociological Review, 71, 515–541.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clure, C., Brady, K. T., Saladin, M., Johnson, D., Waid, R., & Rittenbury, M. (1999). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and substance use: symptom pattern and drug choice. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 25, 441–448.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Corcoran, K., & Fisher, J. (1987). Measures for clinical practice: A sourcebook. New York: Free.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duncan, G. J., Dowsett, C. J., Claessens, A., Magnuson, K., Huston, A. C., Klebanov, P., et al. (2007). School readiness and later achievement. Developmental Psychology, 43, 1428–1446.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elliot, D. Z., Huizinga, D., & Ageton, S. S. (1985). Explaining delinquency and drug use. Beverley Hills: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eme, R. F. (1992). Selective female affliction in the developmental disorders of childhood: a literature review. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 21, 354–364.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fabiano, G. A., Pelham, W. E., Waschbusch, D. A., Gnagy, E. M., Lahey, B. B., Chronis, A. M., et al. (2006). A practical measure of impairment: psychometric properties of the Impairment Rating Scale in samples of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and two school-based samples. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 35, 369–385.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Farrington, D. P., Loeber, R., Stouthamer-Loeber, M., Van Kammen, W. B., & Schmidt, L. (1996). Self-reported delinquency and combined delinquency seriousness scale based on boys, mothers, and teachers: concurrent and predictive validity for African-Americans and Caucasians. Criminology, 34, 493–517.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frazier, T. W., Demaree, H. A., & Youngstrom, E. A. (2004). Meta-analysis of intellectual and neuropsychological test performance in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Neuropsychology, 18, 543–555.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gaub, M., & Carlson, C. L. (1997). Gender differences in ADHD: a meta-analysis and critical review. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 36, 1036–1045.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldsheider, F. K., Thornton, A., & Yang, L. (2001). Helping out the kids: expectations about parental support in young adulthood. Journal of Marriage and Family, 63, 727–740.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hartung, C. M., Willcutt, E. G., Lahey, B. B., Pelham, W. E., Loney, J., Stein, M. A., et al. (2002). Sex differences in young children who meet criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 31, 453–464.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hinshaw, S. P. (2002). Preadolescent girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: I. background characteristics, comorbidity, cognitive and social functioning, and parenting practices. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 1086–1098.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hinshaw, S. P., Owens, E. B., Sami, N., & Fargeon, S. (2006). Prospective follow-up of girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder into adolescence: evidence for continuing cross-domain impairment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74, 489–499.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hollingshead, A. B. (1975). Four factor index of social status. New Haven: Yale University Department of Sociology.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoza, B., Gerdes, A. C., Hinshaw, S. P., Arnold, L. E., Pelham, W. E., Molina, B. S. G., et al. (2004). Self-perceptions of competence in children with ADHD and comparison children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72, 382–391.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jessor, R., Jessor, L., & Donovan, J. E. (1981). Young adult follow-up study, 1981 annual questionnaire. Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado.

  • Johnston, C., & Mash, E. J. (2001). Families of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: review and recommendations for future research. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 4, 183–207.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kessler, R. C., Adler, L., Barkley, R. A., Biederman, J., Conners, C. K., Demler, O., et al. (2006). The prevalence and correlates of adult ADHD in the United States: results from the National Comorbidity Survey replication. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 163, 716–723.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Molina, B. S. G., & Pelham, W. E. (2003). Childhood predictors of adolescent substance abuse in a longitudinal study of children with ADHD. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 112, 497–507.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Molina, B. S. G., Flory, K., Hinshaw, S. P., Greiner, A. R., Arnold, L. E., Swanson, J. M., et al. (2007a). Delinquent behavior and emerging substance use in the MTA at 36 months: prevalence, course, and treatment effects. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 46, 1028–1040.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Molina, B. S. G., Pelham, W. E., Gnagy, E. M., Thompson, A. L., & Marshal, M. P. (2007b). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder risk for heavy drinking and alcohol use disorder is age-specific. Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research, 31, 1–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • NHSDA. (1992). National Household Study on Drug Abuse. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. Rockville: Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration: National Institute on Drug Abuse.

    Google Scholar 

  • Owens, J. S., Goldfine, M. E., Evangelista, N. M., Hoza, B., & Kaiser, N. M. (2007). A critical review of self-perceptions and the positive illusory bias in children with ADHD. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 10, 335–351.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pajer, K. A., Kazmi, A., Gardner, W. P., & Wang, Y. (2007). Female conduct disorder: health status in young adulthood. Journal of Adolescent Health, 40, 1–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, G. R., DeGarmo, D. S., & Knutson, N. (2000). Hyperactive and antisocial behaviors: comorbid or two points in the same process? Developmental Psychopathology, 12, 91–106.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pelham, W. E., & Bender, M. E. (1982). Peer relationships in hyperactive children. In K. D. Gadow & I. Bialer (Eds.), Advances in learning and behavioral disabilities (Vol. 1, pp. 365–436). Greenwich: JAI.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pelham, W. E., & Hoza, B. (1996). Intensive treatment: A summer treatment program for children with ADHD. In E. Hibbs & P. Jensen (Eds.), Psychosocial treatments for child and adolescent disorders: Empirically based strategies for clinical practice (pp. 311–340). New York: APA.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Pelham, W. E., Walker, J. L., Sturges, J., & Hoza, J. (1989). Comparative effects of methylphenidate on ADD girls and ADD boys. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 28, 773–776.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pelham, W. E., Gnagy, E. M., Greenslade, K. E., & Milich, R. (1992). Teacher ratings of DSM-III-R symptoms for the disruptive behavior disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 31, 210–218.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Portney, L. G., & Watkins, M. P. (1997). Power analysis and determination of sample size. In K. W. Davis (Ed.), Foundations of clinical research: Applications to practice (pp. 651–667). Norwalk: Appleton and Lange.

    Google Scholar 

  • Radloff, L. S. (1977). The CES-D: a self-report depression scale for research in the general population. Applied Psychological Measurement, 1, 385–401.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Safren, S. A., Otto, M. W., Sprich, S., Winett, C. L., Wilens, T. E., & Biederman, J. (2005). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for ADHD in medication-treated adults with continued symptoms. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 43, 831–842.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • SAMHSA. (2003). 2002 National survey on drug use and health: Detailed tables (Vol. 2004). Rockville: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

    Google Scholar 

  • Santor, D. A., Zuroff, D. C., Ramsay, J. O., Cervantes, P., & Palacios, J. (1995). Examining scale discriminability in the BDI and CES-D as a function of depressive severity. Psychological Assessment, 7, 131–139.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt, F. L., & Hunter, J. (2004). General mental ability in the world of work: occupational attainment and job performance. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 86, 162–173.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sibley, M. H., Pelham, W. E., Molina, B. S. G., Gnagy, E. M., Waschbusch, D. A., MacLean, M. G., et al. (2010a). The delinquency outcomes of boys with ADHD with and without comorbidity. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 39, 21–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sibley, M. H., Pelham, W. E., Molina, B. S. G., Waschbusch, D. A., Gnagy, E. M., Babinski, D. E., et al. (2010b). Inconsistent self-report of delinquency by adolescents and young adults with ADHD. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 38, 645–646.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Bureau of the Census. (2007). Educational attainment in the U.S., United States 2007. Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wechsler, D. (2003). Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV). San Antonio: Psychological Corporation, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilsnack, S. C., & Wilsnack, R. W. (2002). International gender and alcohol research: recent findings and future directions. Alcohol Research & Health, 26, 245–250.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, AHC 1, Room 146, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33186, USA

    Dara E. Babinski, William E. Pelham Jr., Daniel A. Waschbusch, Elizabeth M. Gnagy, Margaret H. Sibley & Aparajita Biswas

  2. State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Dara E. Babinski, Jihnhee Yu & Margaret H. Sibley

  3. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Brooke S. G. Molina

Authors
  1. Dara E. Babinski
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. William E. Pelham Jr.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Brooke S. G. Molina
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Daniel A. Waschbusch
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Elizabeth M. Gnagy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Jihnhee Yu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Margaret H. Sibley
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Aparajita Biswas
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Dara E. Babinski.

Additional information

This study was supported by grant AA11873 from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Research was also supported in part by AA00202, AA08746, AA12342, AA0626, and grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (DA12414, DA05605, F31 DA017546), the National Institute on Mental Health (MH12010, MH4815, MH47390, MH45576, MH50467, MH53554, MH069614), the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (ES0515-08), and Institute of Education Sciences (IESLO3000665A, IESR324B060045).

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Babinski, D.E., Pelham, W.E., Molina, B.S.G. et al. Women with Childhood ADHD: Comparisons by Diagnostic Group and Gender. J Psychopathol Behav Assess 33, 420–429 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-011-9247-4

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-011-9247-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation