ADHD has long been considered to affect males more than females. It has been suggested that this difference is not as marked in the adult population. Differences in prevalence in adolescents may be contributed to by underdiagnosis in females. While these differences have been explored in children, there are limited data for the adult population with ADHD. Our study looked at a community sample of adults with ADHD and we examined differences in varying areas of comorbidity between males and females.

We looked at a sample of 50 patients in the adult ADHD clinic. On the basis of gender, differences were recorded in a variety of areas including alcohol and illicit drug use (including cannabis), forensic history, age of diagnosis of ADHD, family history and psychiatric comorbidity.

The full results are pending. Preliminary findings suggest an increased prevalence of substance misuse amongst males. Male patients were more likely to have a forensic history. Female patients are more likely to suffer with comordid anxiety and depression while male patients have a higher prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders and learning difficulties.

Service provision for adult ADHD has to be structured according to the needs of the population served rather than focussing on provison of prescribing services alone. The treatment approach for females with ADHD may diiffer from that for males. The use of psychotherapy in this population is particularly benficial. Comorbidity amongst females may complicate treatment with stimulants as this may worsen features of anxiety and depression.