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ADHD and transgender
Several studies, including Warrier and colleagues (2020), report an increased prevalence of ADHD diagnoses in transgender people compared with cisgender controls.
What is known
Several studies, including Warrier and colleagues (2020), report an increased prevalence of ADHD diagnoses in transgender people compared with cisgender controls. The exact mechanisms are unknown; possible factors are shared genetic vulnerability, environmental stressors and diagnostic overlap.
Clinical attention
In young people with gender dysphoria there is international call for attention to co-occurring ADHD, because impulsivity and short-term orientation may influence decision-making about far-reaching treatments. A thorough diagnostic evaluation is therefore recommended.
Sources
Warrier, V., Greenberg, D.M., Weir, E., et al. (2020). Elevated rates of autism, other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diagnoses, and autistic traits in transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Nature Communications, 11, 3959. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-17794-1
Cass, H. (2024). Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People: Final Report. cass.independent-review.uk