Close Menu
    Science

    Girls with ADHD in childhood tend to become less conscientious and agreeable as adolescents

    Bytes Europe

    View 10 Comments

    10 Comments

    1. chrisdh79 on

      From the article: A longitudinal study of a racially and socioeconomically diverse group of girls found that those diagnosed with ADHD in childhood tend to become less conscientious, agreeable, and emotionally stable as they grow up. Girls from higher-income families tended to describe their personalities in a more negative way. The paper was published in Research on [Child and Adolescent Psychopathology](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10802-024-01204-x).

      Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Individuals with ADHD struggle with staying focused, following instructions, and managing time. Most often, it is diagnosed in childhood, usually when a child starts school. It can persist into adulthood, but symptoms tend to vary with age.

      The causes of ADHD are not fully understood. However, there is an extensive list of well-studied consequences. Studies link ADHD with worse academic performance. As they grow up, individuals with ADHD often struggle to stay organized, meet deadlines, or maintain focus on tasks, leading to work-related difficulties. These individuals are also more likely to face financial problems, challenges with romantic relationships, and are at an increased risk of developing mental health issues.

    2. allbright1111 on

      As an adult woman with ADHD, this headline cracks me up.

      Yes, we become less agreeable and conscientious because we are burned out beyond belief.

      Lifelong ADHD symptoms are incredibly emotionally taxing and stressful. That chronic stress results in real psychological and physical exhaustion.

      Yet the concern is that we become less agreeable and conscientious?? Good grief.

    3. Wordwright on

      As a high school teacher, I can verify that every single human being, regardless of gender or personality type, becomes less agreeable during adolescence.

    4. ChiBeerGuy on

      I’m tired of headlines that imply ADHD is a childhood disorder. It lasts for life. It should read adolescent women with ADHD.

    7. singulargranularity on

      I don’t know why this is presented like a bad thing. I always knew I was different and not very agreeable (hence picking fights with people on online forums and Reddit!), and that protected me from a lot of rubbish and people-pleasing that teenage girls get pulled into. 

      I may not have had that many friends nor got elected for any kind of position, but I had my core group of friends and that made school fun. 

    8. HotHamBoy on

      “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Individuals with ADHD struggle with staying focused, following instructions, and managing time. Most often, it is diagnosed in childhood, usually when a child starts school. It can persist into adulthood, but symptoms tend to vary with age.”

      They really gotta update the characterizations

    9. danielbearh on

      … agreeableness and conscientiousness are the two personality characteristics of the Big 5 personality test that would be show correlation in ADHD individuals. I feel like concientiousness is more straightforward. This is organization, planning, forethought.

      Agreeableness may be a surprise to some. But the disregulation of focus often results in larger than normal reactions to outside stimuli. Emotional disregulation is a hallmark of adhd that isn’t as often discussed. Ever see someone with adhd be dramatic?

    10. Select_Ad_976 on

      Does the study say if the kids were medicated or not? I cannot find anything about that but I just skimmed it really quickly.