Behavioral Treatment for the Social-Emotional Difficulties of Preadolescent and Adolescent Girls with ADHD

Sex Differences in ADHD: Review and Priorities for Future Research

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In childhood, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is diagnosed three to 16 times more frequently in males compared to females, yet in adulthood, nearly equivalent numbers of males and females are diagnosed with ADHD. Relatively few studies have prioritized examination of sex differences in ADHD even though sex differences may have critical implications for the identification and treatment of ADHD in females and males. This review highlights current research on sex differences in ADHD across the lifespan that has emerged from cross-sectional and prospective longitudinal studies of youth, adult-ascertained samples, and registry studies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Accumulating research suggests that both males and females with ADHD experience widespread impairment across the lifespan. Some evidence of sex differences emerged, although effects have generally been modest in size. Continued research that includes females and males with ADHD is needed to clarify the nature of sex differences in ADHD. Research that focuses on equitable identification of ADHD in males and females, disentangles the effects of sex and gender, probes underlying mechanisms of sex differences, and addresses the clinical impact of sex differences in ADHD must be prioritized.

Family-based treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A review of family functioning outcomes in randomized controlled trials from 2010 to 2019

This review details advances in randomized controlled trials of family-based treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) conducted in the United States from 2010 to 2019, and the impact of these treatments on the domain of family functioning. Twenty-two studies were included in the review and three types of family treatments, integrated parent-child treatments, parent-directed treatments, and youth treatments with adjunctive parent involvement, were identified for children and adolescents. Studies point to considerable advancements in consideration of understudied and diverse populations, and results of the review show all three types of family interventions for ADHD should be considered well-established interventions addressing family functioning. Practical guidelines are offered, and future directions for research are discussed.